stress reliefn.
/ˈstrɛs rᵻˌliːf/, U.S. /ˈstrɛs rəˌlif/, /ˈstrɛs riˌlif/ 1. The reduction of mechanical stress in a structure, component, or material; (Metallurgy) the reduction of residual stress by thermal treatment. Cf. stress-relieve v.
ΚΠ
1900 Jrnl. Geol. (Chicago) 8 597 They think they find periods of stress-accumulation followed by periods of stress-relief, periods of land-expansion followed by periods of sea-transgression.
1905 Engineering 22 Sept. 367/1 It is to be observed that as this relief (distributed) is induced by the upward reaction of the new girder acting at the centre of the crossgirders, the stress relief of these will, as a rule, greatly exceed that of the outside girders.
1935 Symp. Welding Iron & Steel (Iron & Steel Inst.) II. 42 Stress relief by heat treatment reduced the stresses to approximately 10 per cents of those existing in the plates as welded.
2021 V. Acocella Volcano-tectonic Processes ii. 44/2 Movements in the crust and mantle occur continuously, during the build up of stress caused by steady plate motion, and discontinuously, as during the local stress relief caused by earthquake ruptures.
2. Alleviation of emotional or physiological stress; easing of tension or anxiety. Also as a modifier, as in stress relief strategy, stress relief technique, etc.
ΚΠ
1935 K. Koffka Princ. Gestalt Psychol. viii. 343 I can think of at least two classes of stress relief where ordinary motor phenomena play either no rôle at all or not the decisive one.
1976 N.Y. Mag. 10 May 92/2 (advt.) Biofeedback Relaxation Therapy! Brings effective stress relief.
1995 Ottawa Citizen (Nexis) 9 Sept. e4 Learn stress relief techniques such as meditation.
2015 Fit & Well Nov. 62 All exercise can be good for stress relief.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2022).
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n.1900