respite
n. C / Un. a short break or period of rest from something difficult or unpleasant.
n. a short period of rest or relief from something difficult, tiring, or unpleasant. Often used to describe a temporary delay in a legal sentence or a pause in suffering.
The rain offered a brief respite from the summer heat.
The new law provides a much-needed respite for small businesses struggling with rising energy costs.
The judge granted a brief respite in the execution of the order, allowing the family more time to find alternative housing before the eviction took place.
From Anglo-Norman and Old French respit (“rest”), from Latin respectus. Doublet of respect.
Often used in the pattern 'respite from' or 'without respite'. Uncountable when referring to the general state of relief; countable when referring to a specific instance or period.