Dictionary definition · relief
noun
- the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced"as he heard the news he was suddenly flooded with relief"
- the condition of being comfortable or relieved (especially after being relieved of distress)"he enjoyed his relief from responsibility"
- (law) redress awarded by a court"was the relief supposed to be protection from future harm or compensation for past injury?"
- someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)"the star had a stand-in for dangerous scenes"
- assistance in time of difficulty"the contributions provided some relief for the victims"
- a pause for relaxation"people actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests"
- a change for the better
- aid for the aged or indigent or handicapped"he has been on relief for many years"
- the act of reducing something unpleasant (as pain or annoyance)"he asked the nurse for relief from the constant pain"
- sculpture consisting of shapes carved on a surface so as to stand out from the surrounding background
- the act of freeing a city or town that has been besieged"he asked for troops for the relief of Atlanta"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).