Dictionary
1relief
noun re·lief \ri-ˈlēf\
: a pleasant and relaxed feeling that someone has when something unpleasant stops or does not happen
: the removal or reducing of something that is painful or unpleasant
: things (such as food, money, or medicine) that are given to help people who are victims of a war, earthquake, flood, etc.
Full Definition of RELIEF
1
: a payment made by a male feudal tenant to his lord on succeeding to an inherited estate
2
3
: release from a post or from the performance of duty
4
: one that takes the place of another on duty
5
: legal remedy or redress
6
[French, from Middle French, from Italian rilievo relievo] a : a mode of sculpture in which forms and figures are distinguished from a surrounding plane surface b : sculpture or a sculptural form executed in this mode c : projecting detail, ornament, or figures
7
a : sharpness of outline due to contrast <a roof in bold relief against the sky> b : the state of being distinguished by contrast <throws the two opinions into bold relief>
8
: the elevations or inequalities of a land surface
9
: the pitching done by a relief pitcher <two innings of hitless relief>
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Illustration of RELIEF
Origin of RELIEF
Middle English relef, relief, from Anglo-French from relever to relieve
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to RELIEF
- Synonyms
- cheer, consolation, comfort, solace
2relief
adjective
Definition of RELIEF
1
: providing relief
2
: characterized by surface inequalities
3
: of or used in letterpress
First Known Use of RELIEF
1838
RELIEF Defined for Kids
relief
noun re·lief \ri-ˈlēf\
Definition of RELIEF for Kids
1
: the feeling of happiness that occurs when something unpleasant or distressing stops or does not happen <What a relief to be home safe.>
2
: removal or lessening of something painful or troubling <I need relief from this headache.>
3
: something that interrupts in a welcome way <The rain was a relief from dry weather.>
4
: release from a post or from performance of a duty <relief of a guard>
5
: welfare 2
6
: a sculpture in which figures or designs are raised from a background
7
: elevations of a land surface <The map shows relief.>
Medical Dictionary
relief
noun re·lief \ri-ˈlēf\
Medical Definition of RELIEF
: removal or lightening of something oppressive or distressing <relief of pain> <symptomatic relief>
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