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
1
To cancel or delay a punishment, especially an execution.
"The governor reprieved the prisoner just hours before the scheduled execution."
2
To give someone temporary relief from something difficult or unwanted.
"The rain reprieved the firefighters after days of brutal heat."
noun
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishA delay or escape from punishment, or a welcome break from hardship.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a stay of execution
temporary reprieve
grant a reprieve
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Word forms
- Plural
- reprieves
- Third person singular
- reprieves
- Past tense
- reprieved
Fill the gap
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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."
Class of 1513
reprieve joined the language around 1513.
See the full Class of 1513 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for reprieve
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.
