relief

Noun

• the act of freeing a city or town that has been besieged
  • he asked for troops for the relief of Atlanta
    

• sculpture consisting of shapes carved on a surface so as to stand out from the surrounding background

• the act of reducing something unpleasant (as pain or annoyance)
  • he asked the nurse for relief from the constant pain
    

• aid for the aged or indigent or handicapped
  • he has been on relief for many years
    

• a change for the better

• a pause for relaxation
  • people actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests
    

• assistance in time of difficulty
  • the contributions provided some relief for the victims
    

• someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)
  • the star had a stand-in for dangerous scenes
    
  • we need extra employees for summer fill-ins
    

• (law) redress awarded by a court
  • was the relief supposed to be protection from future harm or compensation for past injury?
    

• the condition of being comfortable or relieved (especially after being relieved of distress)
  • he enjoyed his relief from responsibility
    
  • getting it off his conscience gave him some ease
    

• the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
  • as he heard the news he was suddenly flooded with relief
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  relievo , rilievo , embossment , sculptural relief , easing , easement , alleviation , moderation , respite , rest , rest period , succor , succour , ministration , stand-in , substitute , reliever , backup , backup man , fill-in , ease , assuagement