If you feel a sense of relief, you feel happy because something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
The news will come as a great relief to the French authorities. [+ to]
To his relief a loud knock on the door spared him from giving an explanation.
It's a relief to get out of the office once in a while.
Synonyms: ease, release, comfort, cure More Synonyms of relief
2. uncountable noun
If something provides relieffrom pain or distress, it stops the pain or distress.
This brought considerable relief from the pain.
...a self-help programme which can give lasting relief from the torment of hay fever. [+ from]
Synonyms: rest, respite, let-up [informal], relaxation More Synonyms of relief
3. uncountable noun [oft NOUN noun, noun NOUN]
Relief is money, food, or clothing that is provided for people who are very poor, or whohave been affected by war or a natural disaster.
Relief agencies are stepping up efforts to provide food, shelter and agriculturalequipment.
...famine relief.
4. countable noun [usually NOUN noun]
A relief worker is someone who does your work when you go home, or who is employed to do itinstead of you when you are sick.
No relief drivers were available.
Synonyms: replacement, cover, supply, reserve More Synonyms of relief
5. countable noun
A relief is a sculpture that is carved out of a flat vertical surface.
[technical]
6. See also bas-relief, tax relief
More Synonyms of relief
relief in British English
(rɪˈliːf)
noun
1.
a feeling of cheerfulness or optimism that follows the removal of anxiety, pain, or distress
I breathed a sigh of relief
2.
deliverance from or alleviation of anxiety, pain, distress, etc
3.
a.
help or assistance, as to poor, needy, or distressed people
b.
(as modifier)
relief work
4. short for tax relief
5.
something that affords a diversion from monotony
6.
a person who replaces or relieves another at some task or duty
7.
a bus, shuttle plane, etc, that carries additional passengers when a scheduled service is full
8.
a road (relief road) carrying traffic round an urban area; bypass
9.
a.
the act of freeing a beleaguered town, fortress, etc
the relief of Mafeking
b.
(as modifier)
a relief column
10. Also called: relievo, rilievo sculpture, architecture
a.
the projection of forms or figures from a flat ground, so that they are partly or wholly free of it
b.
a piece of work of this kind
11.
a printing process, such as engraving, letterpress, etc, that employs raised surfaces from which ink is transferred to the paper
12.
any vivid effect resulting from contrast
comic relief
13.
variation in altitude in an area; difference between highest and lowest level
a region of low relief
14. mechanical engineering
the removal of the surface material of a bearing area to allow the access of lubricating fluid
15. law
redress of a grievance or hardship
to seek relief through the courts
16. European history
a succession of payments made by an heir to a fief to his lord: the size of the relief was determined by the lord within bounds set by custom
17. on relief
Word origin
C14: from Old French, from relever to raise up; see relieve
relief in American English
(rɪˈlif)
noun
1.
a.
an easing, as of pain, discomfort, or anxiety
b.
a lightening of a burden, as of taxation, oppression, etc.
2.
anything that lessens tension or strain, or offers a pleasing change, as to the mind or eye
3.
aid in the form of goods or money given, as by a government agency, to persons unable to support themselves
4.
any aid given in times of need, danger, or disaster, as supplies sent into a flooded area
5.
a.
release from work or duty
b.
the person or persons bringing such release by taking over a post
6.
a payment made by the heir of a feudal vassal to the overlord on taking over an estate
7. Architecture and Sculpture
a.
the projection of figures and forms from a flat surface, so that they stand wholly or partly free
b.
a work of art so made
8. Law
the assistance or redress sought by a complainant in a court, esp. a court of equity
9. Literature and Theatre
a.
sharp contrast, as of ideas, actions, or events
b.
comic scenes in a serious drama or film
: in full comic relief
10.
a. Painting
the apparent solidity or projection of objects, obtained by modeling and gradation in color, etc.
b.
distinctness of outline; contrast
11. Geology
a.
the differences in height, collectively, of land forms in any particular area
b.
these differences as shown by lines, colors, raised areas, etc. on a map
12. Printing
a method of printing in which the image is carried on raised surfaces; letterpress
adjective US
13. Baseball
designating a pitcher who replaces another during a game, esp. one who is regularly used in this way
Idioms:
in relief
on relief
Word origin
ME releef < OFr relief < relever: see relieve; (sense 7) Fr < It relievo < rilevare, to raise: see relieve
COBUILD Collocations
relief
blessed relief
light relief
palpable relief
the relief was short-lived
welcome relief
Examples of 'relief' in a sentence
relief
The final whistle brought a huge sigh of relief from the home crowd.
The Sun (2017)
They carry oxygen and a gas and air mix for pain relief.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The relief efforts go beyond the artistic works.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
That was a huge relief for my family.
The Sun (2016)
They were able to ask him which coach and contact the train manager to get relief supplies delivered.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
At this point, we are meant to feel relief.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
All of which which brought light relief to a setting and a scenario that is one of the most pressurised in all sport.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She said of the threat being lifted:'This will come as a great relief to patients.
The Sun (2016)
Prices have not collapsed, as had been forecast, which means that homeowners feel a sense of relief.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Which is why he lost his job in disaster relief.
The Sun (2014)
Top brass yesterday agreed to give relief flights priority.
The Sun (2010)
When it cools repeat until you feel relief.
Westcott, Patsy Alternative Health Care for Women (1991)
The refugees had heard that relief money was being used to throw a party at the hotel.
Bramwell, Anna C Refugees in the Age of Total War (1988)
They collect for famine relief and give time to good causes.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
There was a sense of relief that finally we knew what we were doing.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It was a relief we went through after my own goal.
The Sun (2011)
The two principal benefits are business asset taper relief and agricultural property relief.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There must have been a huge sense of relief too.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
What retirement reliefs are available to reduce the tax on the gain?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The pain relief instantly made me feel calmer.
The Sun (2013)
She will not get tax relief on the donation.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The news provided relief to homeowners paying down their mortgages.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The observation will come as some relief for households.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
That timescale will obviously come as a considerable relief to the insurance industry.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Which would have been a great relief if we had had any neighbours.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Such moments of light relief were welcome given the raw emotional intensity of the songs.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Much more money is needed to support relief work as winter sets in.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The relief allows you to write off expenses linked to innovation against your tax bill.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
We are going to have to change our way of looking at disaster relief.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The operation had given him instant relief from the pain.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Senior executives have long since reached the threshold at which they cease to qualify for additional tax relief.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Does this in itself signal changing attitudes to imperial relief sculpture, or economic decline?
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
Look to those who are doing good work in the area of refugee relief, and find ways to serve alongside them.
Christianity Today (2000)
Quotations
For this relief much thanksWilliam ShakespeareHamlet
Word lists with
relief
architectural features
In other languages
relief
British English: relief /rɪˈliːf/ NOUN
If you feel a sense of relief, you feel glad because something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
American English: relief
Arabic: راحَة
Brazilian Portuguese: alívio
Chinese: 减轻
Croatian: olakšanje
Czech: úleva
Danish: lettelse
Dutch: opluchting
European Spanish: alivio
Finnish: helpotus
French: soulagement
German: Erleichterung
Greek: ανακούφιση
Italian: sollievo
Japanese: 安心
Korean: 안도
Norwegian: lettelse
Polish: ulga
European Portuguese: alívio
Romanian: ușurare
Russian: облегчение
Latin American Spanish: alivio
Swedish: lättnad
Thai: การผ่อนคลาย
Turkish: iç rahatlığı
Ukrainian: полегшення
Vietnamese: sự khuây khỏa
All related terms of 'relief'
in relief
carved or molded so as to project from a surface
on relief
(of a person) in receipt of government aid because of personal need
bas-relief
Bas-relief is a technique of sculpture in which shapes are carved so that they stand out from the background.
bass-relief
sculpture in low relief , in which the forms project slightly from the background but no part is completely detached from it
debt relief
assistance with a debt burden , e. g . through being forgiven part of a debt or being given more favourable repayment terms
high relief
relief in which forms and figures stand out from the background to half or more than half of their natural depth
low relief
→ bas-relief
out-relief
money given to poor people not living in a workhouse
pain relief
techniques concerned with preventing or reducing pain
relief fund
a fund of money set up to provide aid for people in need , esp in disaster areas
relief map
a map that shows the configuration and height of the land surface, usually by means of contours
relief road
a road carrying traffic round an urban area; bypass
relief work
the work carried out by charities providing aid for people in need , esp in disaster areas
tax relief
Tax relief is a reduction in the amount of tax that a person or company has to pay, for example because of expenses associated with their business or property .
comic relief
a comic interlude , or comic element, in a tragedy
light relief
If something provides relief from pain or distress , it stops the pain or distress.
photo relief
a method of showing the configuration of the relief of an area by photographing a model of it that is illuminated by a lamp in the northwest corner
relief agency
an organization that provides aid for people in need, esp in disaster areas
relief angle
The relief angle is the angle between a cutting tool and the workpiece it has just cut.
relief troops
soldiers sent to an area of conflict or a disaster area in order to provide aid or assistance there
relief valve
a type of valve used to control or limit the pressure that can build up in a system or vessel
relief worker
a person who works for a charity providing aid for people in need, esp in disaster areas
stress relief
Stress relief involves removing stresses in a material, usually by heating it to a temperature at which it can deform easily .
taper relief
(in Britain ) a system of relief from capital gains tax under which the percentage of a chargeable gain considered taxable is reduced for each whole year (from April 1998) that the asset was held by the vendor
blessed relief
If you feel a sense of relief , you feel happy because something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening .
disaster relief
financial or physical help provided to people or areas hit by a disaster
mortgage relief
(formerly) a reduction of tax on income being used to pay off a mortgage
outdoor relief
money given to poor people not living in a workhouse
palpable relief
If you feel a sense of relief , you feel happy because something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening .
relief pitcher
a pitcher who replaces a side's main pitcher during a game
relief supplies
food, water, medication , clothes, etc given to people in need, esp in disaster areas
welcome relief
If something provides relief from pain or distress , it stops the pain or distress.
executive relief
sexual intercourse or masturbation
retirement relief
(formerly, in Britain ) relief from capital-gains tax given to people at or over 50 when disposing of business assets
relief organization
an organization that provides aid for people in need , esp in disaster areas
transitional relief
a form of tax relief , designed to smooth large changes in liability , which operates by restricting the proportion by which liability may change per year, both upwards and downwards
pressure relief system
A pressure relief system is a device or method for reducing pressure in vessels, stages , or equipment when pressure has increased above a particular limit .
release valve
a type of valve used to control or limit the pressure that can build up in a system or vessel
reliever
a pitcher who replaces a side's main pitcher during a game
the relief was short-lived
If you feel a sense of relief , you feel happy because something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening .
to breathe a sigh of relief to heave a sigh of relief
If people breathe or heave a sigh of relief , they feel happy that something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening .
sigh of relief to breathe a sigh of relief to heave a sigh of relief
If people breathe or heave a sigh of relief , they feel happy that something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening .
Chinese translation of 'relief'
relief
(rɪˈliːf)
n
(u) (= alleviation) 缓(緩)解 (huǎnjiě)
(u) (= gladness) 如释(釋)重负(負) (rú shì zhòng fù)
(u) (= aid) (to country etc) 救援 (jiùyuán)
(c) (Art) 浮雕 (fúdiāo)
(u) (Geo) 地势(勢)起伏 (dìshì qǐfú)
cpd
[bus, driver]后(後)备(備) (hòubèi)
in relief (Art) 浮雕 (fúdiāo)
1 (noun)
Definition
the projection of a carved design from the surface
The news will come as a great relief.
Synonyms
ease
release
the secret negotiations necessary to secure the release of the hostages
comfort
I tried to find some words of comfort to offer her.
cure
remedy
natural remedies to overcome winter infections
solace
I found solace in writing when my father died.
balm
This place is a balm to the soul.
deliverance
mitigation
the mitigation or cure of a physical or mental condition
abatement
noise abatement
alleviation
They focussed on the alleviation of the refugees' misery.
easement
palliation
assuagement
2 (noun)
Definition
a temporary pause in anxiety, pain, or distress
a self-help programme which can give lasting relief
Synonyms
rest
some rest from the intense concentration
respite
I rang home during a brief respite at work.
let-up (informal)
There was no sign of any let-up in the battle on the money markets yesterday.
relaxation
You should be able to find the odd moment for relaxation.
break
Nothing has been discussed that might lead to a break in the deadlock.
diversion
Finger-painting is an excellent diversion.
refreshment (informal)
remission
The disease is in remission.
breather (informal)
Relax and take a breather whenever you feel that you need one.
3 (noun)
Definition
money, food, or clothing given to people in special need
famine relief
Synonyms
aid
They have already pledged millions of dollars in aid.
help
Thanks very much for your help.
support
a proposal to cut agricultural support
assistance
He's been operating the shop with the assistance of volunteers.
sustenance
everything that is necessary for the sustenance of the offspring
succour
Have you offered comfort and succour to your friend?
4 (noun)
Definition
a person who replaces another at some task or duty
No relief drivers were available.
Synonyms
replacement
a replacement for the injured player
cover
supply
The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen.
reserve
The country's reserves of petrol are running very low.
substitute
She is seeking a substitute while her secretary is on leave.
stand-in
He was a stand-in for my regular doctor.
standby
locum
Quotation
For this relief much thanks [William Shakespeare – Hamlet]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of abatement
noise abatement
Synonyms
reduction,
slowing,
relief,
easing,
weakening,
dulling,
allowance,
decrease,
lessening,
cutback,
quelling,
moderation,
remission,
slackening,
mitigation,
diminution,
curtailment,
alleviation,
slaking,
attenuation,
extenuation
in the sense of alleviation
They focussed on the alleviation of the refugees' misery.
Synonyms
easing,
relief,
reduction,
dulling,
lessening,
lightening,
quelling,
moderation,
slackening,
quenching,
mitigation,
diminution,
slaking,
palliation
in the sense of assistance
Definition
help or support
He's been operating the shop with the assistance of volunteers.
Synonyms
help,
backing,
service,
support,
benefit,
aid,
relief,
boost,
promotion,
cooperation,
encouragement,
collaboration,
reinforcement,
helping hand,
sustenance,
succour,
furtherance,
abetment
Synonyms of 'relief'
relief
Explore 'relief' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of balm
Definition
something comforting or soothing
This place is a balm to the soul.
Synonyms
comfort,
support,
relief,
cheer,
consolation,
solace,
palliative,
anodyne,
succour,
restorative,
curative
in the sense of break
Definition
any sudden interruption in a continuous action
Nothing has been discussed that might lead to a break in the deadlock.
Synonyms
let-up (informal),
halt,
pause,
suspension,
lessening,
recess,
interruption,
respite,
lull,
cessation,
remission,
breathing space,
slackening,
hiatus
in the sense of breather
Definition
a short pause for rest
Relax and take a breather whenever you feel that you need one.
Synonyms
rest,
break,
halt,
pause,
recess,
breathing space,
breath of air
in the sense of comfort
Definition
relief from suffering or grief
I tried to find some words of comfort to offer her.
Synonyms
consolation,
cheer,
encouragement,
succour,
help,
support,
aid,
relief,
ease,
compensation,
alleviation
in the sense of diversion
Definition
a pleasant or amusing pastime or activity
Finger-painting is an excellent diversion.
Synonyms
pastime,
play,
game,
sport,
delight,
pleasure,
entertainment,
hobby,
relaxation,
recreation,
enjoyment,
distraction,
amusement,
gratification,
divertissement,
beguilement
in the sense of help
Definition
the act of helping
Thanks very much for your help.
Synonyms
assistance,
aid,
support,
service,
advice,
promotion,
guidance,
cooperation,
helping hand
in the sense of let-up
Definition
a lessening
There was no sign of any let-up in the battle on the money markets yesterday.
Synonyms
lessening,
break,
pause,
interval,
recess,
respite,
lull,
cessation,
remission,
breathing space,
slackening,
abatement
in the sense of mitigation
the mitigation or cure of a physical or mental condition
Synonyms
relief,
moderation,
allaying,
remission,
diminution,
abatement,
alleviation,
easement,
extenuation,
mollification,
palliation,
assuagement
in the sense of relaxation
Definition
a form of recreation
You should be able to find the odd moment for relaxation.
Synonyms
leisure,
rest,
fun,
pleasure,
entertainment,
recreation,
enjoyment,
amusement,
refreshment,
beer and skittles (informal),
me-time
in the sense of release
Definition
the act of freeing or state of being freed
the secret negotiations necessary to secure the release of the hostages
Synonyms
liberation,
freedom,
delivery,
liberty,
discharge,
emancipation,
deliverance,
manumission,
relief
Additional synonyms
in the sense of remedy
Definition
a drug or treatment for curing pain or disease
natural remedies to overcome winter infections
Synonyms
cure,
treatment,
specific,
medicine,
therapy,
antidote,
panacea,
restorative,
relief,
nostrum,
physic (rare),
medicament,
counteractive
in the sense of remission
Definition
easing of intensity of the symptoms of a disease
The disease is in remission.
Synonyms
lessening,
abatement,
abeyance,
lull,
relaxation,
ebb,
respite,
moderation,
let-up (informal),
alleviation,
amelioration
in the sense of reserve
Definition
something kept back or set aside for future use
The country's reserves of petrol are running very low.
Synonyms
store,
fund,
savings,
stock,
capital,
supply,
reservoir,
fall-back,
stockpile,
hoard,
backlog,
cache
in the sense of respite
Definition
an interval of rest
I rang home during a brief respite at work.
Synonyms
pause,
break,
rest,
relief,
halt,
interval,
relaxation,
recess,
interruption,
lull,
cessation,
let-up (informal),
breathing space,
breather (informal),
hiatus,
intermission
in the sense of solace
Definition
something that gives comfort or consolation
I found solace in writing when my father died.
Synonyms
comfort,
consolation,
help,
support,
relief,
succour,
alleviation,
assuagement
in the sense of stand-in
Definition
a person who acts as a substitute for another
He was a stand-in for my regular doctor.
Synonyms
substitute,
deputy,
replacement,
reserve,
surrogate,
understudy,
locum,
stopgap
in the sense of substitute
Definition
a person or thing that takes the place of another, such as a player who takes the place of a team-mate
She is seeking a substitute while her secretary is on leave.
Synonyms
replacement,
reserve,
equivalent,
surrogate,
deputy,
relief,
representative,
sub,
temporary,
stand-by,
makeshift,
proxy,
temp (informal),
expedient,
locum,
depute (Scottish),
stopgap,
locum tenens
in the sense of succour
Definition
help in time of difficulty
Have you offered comfort and succour to your friend?
Synonyms
help,
support,
aid,
relief,
comfort,
assistance
in the sense of supply
Definition
an amount available for use
The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen.
Synonyms
store,
fund,
stock,
source,
reserve,
quantity,
reservoir,
stockpile,
hoard,
cache
in the sense of support
a proposal to cut agricultural support
Synonyms
aid,
help,
benefits,
relief,
assistance
Additional synonyms
in the sense of sustenance
Definition
means of maintaining health or life
everything that is necessary for the sustenance of the offspring