relief

Relief is the ease of pain, tension, strain or other discomfort.

(noun)

Relief is support or aid given to a nation or people in a time of need.

(noun)

An example of relief is giving money to help those affected by the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

See relief in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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
Origin: 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
  in full comic relief
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

Origin: 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

See relief in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The easing of a burden or distress, such as pain, anxiety, or oppression.
Something that alleviates pain or distress.
a. Public assistance.
b. Aid in time of danger, especially rescue from siege.
a. Release from a post or duty, as that of sentinel.
b. One who releases another by taking over a post or duty.
A pleasant or amusing change; a diversion.
a. The projection of figures or forms from a flat background, as in sculpture, or the apparent projection of such shapes in a painting or drawing.
b. A work of art featuring such projection. Also called relievo.
Geology The variations in elevation of an area of the earth's surface.
Distinction or prominence due to contrast: “The light brought the white church . . . into relief from the flat ledges” (Willa Cather).
Law Redress awarded by a court.
Baseball The pitching done by a relief pitcher: gave the team two innings of excellent relief.
A payment made by the heir of a deceased tenant to a feudal lord for the privilege of succeeding to the tenant's estate.