relieve
verb
re·lieve ri-ˈlēv 
relieved; relieving
transitive verb
1
a
: to free from a burden : give aid or help to
b
: to set free from an obligation, condition, or restriction
c
: to ease of a burden, wrong, or oppression by judicial or legislative interposition
2
a
: to bring about the removal or alleviation of : mitigate
helps relieve stress
b
: rob, deprive
relieved us of our belongings
3
a
: to release from a post, station, or duty
b
: to take the place of
will relieve the starting pitcher
4
: to remove or lessen the monotony of
a park relieves the urban landscape
5
a
: to set off by contrast
b
: to raise in relief
6
: to discharge the bladder or bowels of (oneself)
intransitive verb
1
: to bring or give relief
2
: to stand out in relief
3
: to serve as a relief pitcher
relievable
ri-ˈlē-və-bəl
adjective 
Synonyms
- allay
- alleviate
- assuage
- ease
- help
- mitigate
- mollify
- palliate
- soothe
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
I took a pill to relieve my headache. I wish I could relieve your suffering. What's the best way to relieve stress? She tried to relieve the tension by making a joke. an effort to relieve traffic congestion We need to find ways to relieve overcrowding in our schools. I've come to relieve the guard on duty. The soldiers were relieved by 30,000 fresh troops. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Leonard returned to the practice field last week after missing all of training camp at Grand Park as part of his rehabilitation from offseason back surgery to relieve the pressure two discs in his spine were putting on his nerves. 
The Indianapolis Star, 6 Sep. 2022 McConnaughey was airlifted to a local hospital and has since undergone numerous surgeries to relieve pressure on his spine and stabilize his vertebrae. Jason Duaine Hahn, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2022 City officials warned of the Pearl River flooding Friday, saying the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir had to release water to relieve pressure on the dam. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 29 Aug. 2022 This type of French drain is often called a weeping tile system and is intended to relieve hydrostatic pressure on the walls of the foundation. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2022 The breathable tape reportedly is designed to lift her skin and relieve pressure on her sinuses. Jason Williams, The Enquirer, 18 Aug. 2022 Leonard, who underwent offseason back surgery to relieve the pressure two discs were putting on a pair of key nerves, remains on the active/physically unable to perform list. Joel A. Erickson, USA TODAY, 11 Aug. 2022 According to its website, the original mattress offers support, helps relieve pressure and keeps one comfortable and cool throughout the night. al, 10 Aug. 2022 These bases offer the ability to elevate your head to relieve pressure on your airway. Grace Wu, Good Housekeeping, 4 Aug. 2022 See More
The Indianapolis Star, 6 Sep. 2022 McConnaughey was airlifted to a local hospital and has since undergone numerous surgeries to relieve pressure on his spine and stabilize his vertebrae. Jason Duaine Hahn, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2022 City officials warned of the Pearl River flooding Friday, saying the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir had to release water to relieve pressure on the dam. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 29 Aug. 2022 This type of French drain is often called a weeping tile system and is intended to relieve hydrostatic pressure on the walls of the foundation. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2022 The breathable tape reportedly is designed to lift her skin and relieve pressure on her sinuses. Jason Williams, The Enquirer, 18 Aug. 2022 Leonard, who underwent offseason back surgery to relieve the pressure two discs were putting on a pair of key nerves, remains on the active/physically unable to perform list. Joel A. Erickson, USA TODAY, 11 Aug. 2022 According to its website, the original mattress offers support, helps relieve pressure and keeps one comfortable and cool throughout the night. al, 10 Aug. 2022 These bases offer the ability to elevate your head to relieve pressure on your airway. Grace Wu, Good Housekeeping, 4 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English releven, from Anglo-French relever to raise, relieve, from Latin relevare, from re- + levare to raise — more at lever
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Phrases Containing relieve
Kids Definition
relieve
verb
re·lieve ri-ˈlēv
relieved; relieving
1
: to free partly or wholly from a burden, pain, or distress
The phone call relieved the worried parents.
2
: to bring about the removal or lessening of
No words could relieve her sorrow.
3
: to release from a post or duty
relieve a sentry
4
: to break the sameness of
The dark red house was relieved by white trim.
Medical Definition
relieve
transitive verb
re·lieve ri-ˈlēv
relieved; relieving
1
: to bring about the removal or alleviation of (pain or discomfort)
2
: to discharge the bladder or bowels of (oneself)
Legal Definition
relieve
transitive verb
re·lieve
relieved; relieving
: to set free from a duty, burden, or liability
cannot be relieved of his negligence
the trust cannot relieve the trustees of those very basic duties that the law imposes Hosey v. Burgess, 890 S.W.2d 262 (1995)
Hosey v. Burgess, 890 S.W.2d 262 (1995)relievers
noun
as in assistants
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- assistants
- surrogates
- attorneys
- factors
- proxies
- reps
- commissaries
- agents
- representatives
- assignees
- deputies
- successors
- procurators
- delegates
- envoys
- seconds
- stopgaps
- substitutes
- makeshifts
- replacements
- alternates
- superseders
- backups
- understudies
- subs
- apologies
- reserves
- reliefs
- stand-ins
- fill-ins
- pinch hitters
- designated hitters
- locum tenentes
- covers