Meaning

The removal of stress or discomfort..

Definitions by Sense

1. The removal of stress or discomfort.
2. The feeling associated with the removal of stress or discomfort.
3. Release from a post or duty, as when replaced by another.
4. The person who takes over a shift for another.
5. Aid or assistance offered in time of need.
6. (military) Military assistance to break a siege or an encirclement.
7. (law) Court-ordered compensation, aid, or protection, a redress.
8. A lowering of a tax through special provisions; tax relief.

Example Sentences

I sighed with relief when I found out that my daughter hadn't got lost, but was waiting for me at home.

Although the Celebrity was almost impervious to sarcasm, he was now beginning to exhibit visible signs of uneasiness,[…]. It was with a palpable relief that he heard the first warning notes of the figure.

Tony's face expressed relief, and Nettie sat silent for a moment until the vicar said “It was a generous impulse, but it may have been a momentary one,[…].”

DfT's action was greeted with great relief in many quarters.

Officer Schmidt can finally go home because his relief has arrived.

At Leeds a relief crew was waiting—but without a relief locomotive; after some discussion, the new men offered to take on the A3. [...].

Relief arrived quickly after the disaster.

On busy days, they also may be seen bowling along the Brighton main line, north of Keymer Junction, with a relief Newhaven boat express, […].

Word Forms

• reliefs
• more relief
• most relief

Synonyms for relief

Related Words

When Should You Use Relief?

Use relief when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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