to delay the impending punishment or sentence of (a condemned person).

to relieve temporarily from any evil.

a respite from impending punishment, as from execution of a sentence of death.

a warrant authorizing this.

any respite or temporary relief.

verb

accusation , blame

noun

abatement , abeyance , absolution , acquittal , alleviation , amnesty , anchor * , clearance , clemency , commute , deferment , freeing , let-up , lifeboat , lifesaver , mitigation , palliation , pardon , postponement , release , remission , respite , spring * , stay , suspension , truce

verb

abate , absolve , allay , alleviate , amnesty , excuse , forgive , grant a stay , let go , let off , let off the hook , let off this time , let up on , mitigate , palliate , pardon , postpone , remit , respite , breather , clemency , defer , delay , relief , stay , suspend