plural reprieves
1
: an official order that delays the punishment of a prisoner who is sentenced to death
He won/got a (temporary) reprieve from his death sentence.
2
a
: a delay that keeps something bad from happening
They wanted to close the library, but we managed to get/secure a reprieve for it.
b
: a period of relief from pain, trouble, etc.
This warm spell has given us a reprieve from the winter cold.
reprieves; reprieved; reprieving
1
: to delay the punishment of (someone, such as a prisoner who is sentenced to death)
He was sentenced to death but then reprieved.
2
: to prevent (something) from being closed, destroyed, etc., for a period of time
The library has been reprieved and will remain open for at least another year.
Cite this Entry
“Reprieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/reprieve. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.
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