breather
UK: ˈbriːðə | US: ˈbriːðər
n. a short pause or break for rest
n. a person or thing that breathes
n. (informal) an opportunity to relax or recover
The word "breather" combines "breath" (from Old English "brǣþ," meaning "odor, scent, exhalation") with the agentive suffix "-er." Originally tied to the act of breathing, it evolved metaphorically to denote a pause (as if to "catch one's breath"). The suffix "-er" here transforms the action into a noun, referring either to someone/something that breathes or a temporary respite.
After climbing the stairs, she took a quick breather.
The diver is a skilled breather underwater.
Let’s take a breather before continuing the debate.
The engine acted as a breather for the sealed system.
He needed a breather after the intense workout.