relief

Meanings

• the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
  • "as he heard the news he was suddenly flooded with relief"
• the condition of being comfortable or relieved (especially after being relieved of distress)
  • "he enjoyed his relief from responsibility"
• (law) redress awarded by a court
  • "was the relief supposed to be protection from future harm or compensation for past injury?"
• someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)
• assistance in time of difficulty
  • "the contributions provided some relief for the victims"
• a pause for relaxation
• a change for the better
• aid for the aged or indigent or handicapped
  • "he has been on relief for many years"
• the act of reducing something unpleasant (as pain or annoyance)
  • "he asked the nurse for relief from the constant pain"
• sculpture consisting of shapes carved on a surface so as to stand out from the surrounding background
• the act of freeing a city or town that has been besieged
  • "he asked for troops for the relief of Atlanta"

Synonyms

alleviation, assuagement, backup, backup man, ease, easement, easing, embossment, fill-in, ministration, moderation, reliever, relievo, respite, rest, rest period, rilievo, sculptural relief, stand-in, substitute, succor, succour