relief

re·lief (ri lēf′)

noun

1. an easing, as of pain, discomfort, or anxiety
2. a lightening of a burden, as of taxation, oppression, etc.
anything that lessens tension or strain, or offers a pleasing change, as to the mind or eye
aid in the form of goods or money given, as by a government agency, to persons unable to support themselves
any aid given in times of need, danger, or disaster, as supplies sent into a flooded area
1. release from work or duty
2. the person or persons bringing such release by taking over a post
a payment made by the heir of a feudal vassal to the overlord on taking over an estate
Etymology: Fr < It relievo < rilevare, to raise: see relieve
Archit., Sculpture
1. the projection of figures and forms from a flat surface, so that they stand wholly or partly free
2. a work of art so made
Law the assistance or redress sought by a complainant in a court, esp. a court of equity
Literature, Drama
1. sharp contrast, as of ideas, actions, or events
2. comic scenes in a serious drama or film
1. Painting the apparent solidity or projection of objects, obtained by modeling and gradation in color, etc.
2. distinctness of outline; contrast
Geol.
1. the differences in height, collectively, of land forms in any particular area
2. these differences as shown by lines, colors, raised areas, etc. on a map
Printing a method of printing in which the image is carried on raised surfaces; letterpress

Etymology: ME releef < OFr relief < relever: see relieve

adjective

Baseball designating a pitcher who replaces another during a game, esp. one who is regularly used in this way

in relief

carved or molded so as to project from a surface

on relief

receiving government aid because of poverty, unemployment, etc.

The act of bringing succor
mitigation, easing, easement, alleviation, assuagement, softening, comforting, remission, deliverance, release, extrication, amelioration.
Aid
assistance, support, maintenance, welfare; see aid 1.
A relieved state of mind
satisfaction, relaxation, ease, comfort, release, happiness, contentment, cheer, restfulness, a load off one's mind*; see also comfort 1, ease 1.
The person or thing that brings relief
diversion, relaxation, consolation, solace, reinforcement, supplies, food, shelter, clothing, release, break, respite, remedy, nursing, medicine, medical care, redress, reparations, indemnities, variety, change, palliative, drug, painkiller, anodyne, analgesic, hypodermic, balm, cure; see also aid 1.
The raised portions of a sculptural decoration or map
embossment, projection, rilievo (Italian), high relief, half relief, bas-relief, low relief, hollow relief, intaglio, frieze, contour, configuration; see also decoration 1.

Assistance or help given to those who are in need; especially financial assistance provided by the state.
The benefit or redress awarded to a claimant by a court, or claimed in a court, especially that which is equitable in nature, such as an injunction against future harm, as distinct from monetary damages.

Converse of object

taper: These changes extend the more generous business taper relief to many more shareholdings than previously are also business assets.
bless: And this week there is a feeling of blessed relief in our town.
claim: Outline of the Scheme Who can claim the relief?

Adjective modifier

ancillary: Ancillary relief is normally the most contentious part of any divorce proceeding.
symptomatic: The products are available in hospital packs, licensed for symptomatic relief of cold sores.
injunctive: He also has worked on large-scale fraud related asset recovery cases, which has included obtaining emergency injunctive relief in the United States.
comic: Anime is the reason adult swim is so popular, the rest of the shows are mainly comic relief.
humanitarian: For Afghanistan we had several statements on humanitarian relief.
transitional: Without transitional relief, it would be very difficult for businesses to plan ahead.

Modifies a noun

Noun used with modifier

debt: There he is expected to strike a similar debt relief pact.
pain: Pain relief CD to download or buy right now!
tax: Tax relief for business owners on ' private ' interest payments Are your VAT records in order?
disaster: Simultaneous contingencies may include: Disaster relief for nuclear accident.
tsunami: They talked to more than 2,300 people, and what they found should make everyone working in the present tsunami disaster relief think hard.
famine: The tower was built as a famine relief project c. 1847 to serve as an observatory.

Preposition: of

poverty: The relief of poverty can be carried out in a variety of ways.
symptom: Four patients had complete relief of symptoms from the onset of treatment.

Preposition: from

taxation: International tax treaties signed by Spain to provide relief from double taxation should be taken into consideration.

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