- Today's Word
Reprieve
ri-PREEV
Definition
- (noun) A temporary relief or delay from punishment or an unpleasant situation.
- (verb) To grant a postponement or break from something difficult or undesirable.
Example
The student’s unexpected snow day was a much-needed reprieve from final exams.
Fun Fact
The word “reprieve” originally referred to delaying executions, making it a term of life-or-death importance. While today it’s used more broadly—whether for a break from stress or an extension on a deadline—it still carries the sense of a temporary escape from something pressing.
(verb) To drink and celebrate loudly or exuberantly, often in a rowdy group.
After the victory, the whole team caroused through the streets until dawn.
From German garaus machen, meaning “to drink up” or “finish completely,” later evolving into the idea of boisterous revelry.