əˈbeɪt.mənt haɪˈeɪtəs ˈɹiː.sɛs ɹɪˈpɹiːv ɹɪˈpɹiːv ˈɹɛspɪt ˈɹɛspɪt ˈɹɛspɪt ˈɹɛspɪt ɹɛst səˈspɛnʃən a pause from doing something (as work) we took a 10-minute break he took time out to recuperate the act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution an interruption in the intensity or amount of something a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort a pause for relaxation people actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests