# reprieve

/ɹiˈpɹiv/ (US) · /ɹɪpɹˈiːv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reprieve
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. delay of punishment

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

an official order that stops or delays a punishment, especially for a prisoner.

For teachers: the formal postponement or cancellation of a legal punishment, particularly a death sentence.

- The prisoner was granted a last-minute reprieve while new evidence was being checked.
- The governor signed a thirty-day reprieve for the inmate, allowing the legal team sufficient time to file a final appeal based on DNA evidence.

### 4. to delay a punishment

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to officially stop or delay a punishment for a period of time.

For teachers: to cancel or postpone the punishment of someone, especially a sentence of death.

- The king decided to reprieve the prisoner at the very last second.
- Although the court initially refused to intervene, the president exercised his power to reprieve the defendant pending further investigation.

Usage: The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually a person.

## Examples

- The prisoner received a reprieve from his sentence.
- After months of heavy rain, the farmers finally received a reprieve as the sun began to shine.
- The Supreme Court granted a temporary reprieve to the defendant, allowing his legal team to prepare a more comprehensive appeal before the next hearing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.