relief

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   The removal of stress or discomfort.

   • 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.
2. 2

   The feeling associated with the removal of stress or discomfort.

   • 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.
3. 3

   Release from a post or duty, as when replaced by another.

4. ›+ 16 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      The person who takes over a shift for another.

      • 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. [...].
   2. 5

      Aid or assistance offered in time of need.

      • 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, […].
   3. 6

      Military assistance to break a siege or an encirclement.

   4. 7

      Court-ordered compensation, aid, or protection, a redress.

   5. 8

      A lowering of a tax through special provisions

      A lowering of a tax through special provisions; tax relief.

   6. 9

      A certain fine or composition paid by the heir of a tenant upon the death of the ancestor.

   7. 10

      Permission for a player to move their ball to a more convenient spot before taking a…

      Permission for a player to move their ball to a more convenient spot before taking a shot, under certain circumstances.

   8. 11

      Ellipsis of relief teacher.

      • Do we have a relief for maths today?
   9. 12

      A method of sculpture or other artwork in which shapes or figures protrude from a flat…

      A method of sculpture or other artwork in which shapes or figures protrude from a flat background.

   10. 13

       A sculpture or other artwork made with such a method.

   11. 14

       The apparent difference in elevation in the surface of a painting or drawing made…

       The apparent difference in elevation in the surface of a painting or drawing made noticeable by a variation in light or color.

   12. 15

       The difference of elevations on a surface.

       • the relief on that part of the Earth's surface
       • The approach to Newcastle (Central) Station from the north after a heavy snowfall. The complicated track layout is thrown into clear relief by the snow [referring to dark rails poking through the snow]
   13. 16

       Relative distinctness, perceived difference due to contrast.

       • And is it that the haze of grief ⁠Hath stretch’d my former joy so great? ⁠The lowness of the present state, That sets the past in this relief?
   14. 17

       The supposed projection of a charge from the surface of a field, indicated by shading on…

       The supposed projection of a charge from the surface of a field, indicated by shading on the sinister and lower sides.

   15. 18

       Characterized by surface inequalities.

   16. 19

       Of or used in letterpress.

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