Definitions

1. noun

a temporary stay or delay in the execution of a sentence or the enforcement of a law, or a delay in a planned event

“The governor granted the prisoner a reprieve, staying his execution for several weeks.”

2. verb

to grant or obtain a temporary stay or delay in the execution of a sentence or the enforcement of a law, or to delay a planned event

“The lawyer worked tirelessly to reprieve his client’s sentence, arguing that she was not guilty of the crime.”

3. verb

to free or exempt someone from an unpleasant or difficult situation

“The teacher tried to reprieve the students from the tedious homework, but they still had to finish it.”