relief meaning and definition

RELIEF noun

Definition of relief (noun)

1. the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
   • "as he heard the news he was suddenly flooded with relief"
   • synonyms: alleviation, assuagement
2. the condition of being comfortable or relieved (especially after being relieved of distress)
   • "he enjoyed his relief from responsibility"; "getting it off his conscience gave him some ease"
   • synonyms: ease
3. (law) redress awarded by a court
   • "was the relief supposed to be protection from future harm or compensation for past injury?"
4. someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)
   • "the star had a stand-in for dangerous scenes"; "we need extra employees for summer fill-ins"
   • synonyms: backup, backup man, fill-in, reliever, stand-in, substitute
5. assistance in time of difficulty
   • "the contributions provided some relief for the victims"
   • synonyms: ministration, succor, succour
6. a pause for relaxation
   • "people actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests"
   • synonyms: respite, rest, rest period
7. a change for the better
   • synonyms: easing, moderation
8. aid for the aged or indigent or handicapped
   • "he has been on relief for many years"
9. the act of reducing something unpleasant (as pain or annoyance)
   • "he asked the nurse for relief from the constant pain"
   • synonyms: alleviation, easement, easing
10. sculpture consisting of shapes carved on a surface so as to stand out from the surrounding background
    • synonyms: embossment, relievo, rilievo, sculptural relief
11. the act of freeing a city or town that has been besieged
    • "he asked for troops for the relief of Atlanta"