relief relief /riːˈliːf/

noun

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