reprieve

Universal Words verb, noun verb [VN] [usuallypassive] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) 1 to officially cancel or delay a punishment for a prisoner who is CONDEMNED to death: a reprieved murderer 2 to officially cancel or delay plans to close sth or end sth: 70 jobs have been reprieved until next April. noun [usuallysing.] 1 an official order stopping a punishment, especially for a prisoner who is CONDEMNED to death 2 a delay before sth bad happens: Campaigners have won a reprieve for the hospital threatened with closure.