/ˈrespaɪt ||; ˈrɛspɪt/noun [sing] [U] respite (from sth) a short period of rest from sth that is difficult or unpleasant （在困难或不愉快的事情中的）短暂休息，暂停 [sing] There was a brief respite from the fighting. 这场战斗曾经暂时平息。