verb

reprieve

rih-PREEV

Reprieve (verb) means to cancel or delay a punishment, especially an execution. Example: “The governor reprieved the prisoner just hours before the scheduled execution.”

verb

To cancel or delay a punishment, especially an execution.

"The governor reprieved the prisoner just hours before the scheduled execution."

To give someone temporary relief from something difficult or unwanted.

"The rain reprieved the firefighters after days of brutal heat."

noun

A cancellation or postponement of a punishment, or more generally, temporary relief from something unpleasant.

"The factory workers got a last-minute reprieve when the closure was postponed."

How to Use Reprieve

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA delay or escape from punishment, or a welcome break from hardship.

Easily confused with

reprise

Common pairings

a stay of execution temporary reprieve grant a reprieve

Word Forms

reprieved past tense, reprieves plural, reprieves singular

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The governor _____ the prisoner just hours before the scheduled execution.

Etymology

First recorded around 1513, likely from Middle French repris ("taken back"), related to reprendre ("to take back") — a cousin of "reprise."

Origin: Middle French · First attested 1513

Class of 1513 reprieve joined the language around 1513.

See the full Class of 1513 →

Rhymes for reprieve

eve neve sieve reeve Steve Maeve cleve sleeve grieve achieve believe relieve

See all rhymes for reprieve →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “reprieve” mean?

The word “reprieve” means to cancel or delay a punishment, especially an execution. In plain terms, a delay or escape from punishment, or a welcome break from hardship.

How do you pronounce “reprieve”?

“Reprieve” is pronounced rih-PREEV (/ɹɪˈpɹiːv/ in IPA).

How do you use “reprieve” in a sentence?

Here is “reprieve” used in a sentence: “The governor reprieved the prisoner just hours before the scheduled execution.”

What part of speech is “reprieve”?

Depending on how it is used, “reprieve” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “reprieve” come from?

The word “reprieve” dates back to around 1513 and comes from Middle French. First recorded around 1513, likely from Middle French repris ("taken back"), related to reprendre ("to take back") — a cousin of "reprise.".

How many meanings does “reprieve” have?

“Reprieve” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cancel or delay a punishment, especially an execution.