respite

Universal Words noun [sing.,U] 1 ~ (from sth) a short break or escape from sth difficult or unpleasant: The drug brought a brief respite from the pain. * There was no respite from the suffocating heat. * She continued to work without respite. * respite care (= temporary care arranged for old, mentally ill, etc. people so that the people who usually care for them can have a rest) 2 a short delay allowed before sth difficult or unpleasant must be done: His creditors agreed to give him a temporary respite.