First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
relieve
verb re·lieve \ri-ˈlēv\
: to reduce or remove (something, such as pain or an unpleasant feeling)
: to make (a problem) less serious
: to take the place of (someone who has been working, fighting, etc.)
re·lievedre·liev·ing
Full Definition of RELIEVE
transitive verb
1
a : to free from a burden : give aid or help to b : to set free from an obligation, condition, or restriction c : to ease of a burden, wrong, or oppression by judicial or legislative interposition
2
3
a : to release from a post, station, or duty b : to take the place of <will relieve the starting pitcher>
4
: to remove or lessen the monotony of <a park relieves the urban landscape>
5
a : to set off by contrast b : to raise in relief
6
: to discharge the bladder or bowels of (oneself)
intransitive verb
1
: to bring or give relief
2
: to stand out in relief
3
: to serve as a relief pitcher
— re·liev·able \-ˈlē-və-bəl\ adjective
See relieve defined for English-language learners
See relieve defined for kids
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Origin of RELIEVE
Middle English releven, from Anglo-French relever to raise, relieve, from Latin relevare, from re- + levare to raise — more at lever
Related to RELIEVE
Synonym Discussion of RELIEVE
relieve, alleviate, lighten, assuage, mitigate, allay mean to make something less grievous. relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable <took an aspirin to relieve the pain>. alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress <the lotion alleviated the itching>. lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight <good news would lighten our worries>. assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable <ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat>. mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful <the need to mitigate barbaric laws>. allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms <allayed their fears>.
Rhymes with RELIEVE
RELIEVABLE Defined for Kids
relieve
verb re·lieve \ri-ˈlēv\
re·lievedre·liev·ing
Definition of RELIEVE for Kids
1
: to free partly or wholly from a burden, pain, or distress <The phone call relieved the worried parents.>
2
: to bring about the removal or lessening of <No words could relieve her sorrow.>
3
: to release from a post or duty <relieve a sentry>
4
: to break the sameness of <The dark red house was relieved by white trim.>
— re·liev·er noun
Medical Dictionary
relieve
transitive verb re·lieve \ri-ˈlēv\
re·lievedre·liev·ing
Medical Definition of RELIEVE
1
: to bring about the removal or alleviation of (pain or discomfort)
2
: to discharge the bladder or bowels of (oneself)
—re·liev·er noun
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