WordWeb Online

1. The feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
   "as he heard the news he was suddenly flooded with relief";
   - alleviation, assuagement
    
2. The condition of being comfortable or relieved (especially after being relieved of distress)
   "he enjoyed his relief from responsibility";
   - ease
    
3. (law) redress awarded by a court
   "was the relief supposed to be protection from future harm or compensation for past injury?"
    
4. Someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)
   "the star had a relief for dangerous scenes";
   - stand-in, substitute, reliever, backup, backup man, fill-in
    
5. Assistance in time of difficulty
   "the contributions provided some relief for the victims";
   - succor [US], succour [Brit, Cdn], ministration
    
6. A pause for relaxation
   - respite, rest, rest period
    
7. A change for the better
   - easing, moderation
    
8. Aid for the aged, indigent or handicapped
   "he has been on relief for many years"
    
9. The act of reducing something unpleasant (as pain or annoyance)
   "he asked the nurse for relief from the constant pain";
   - easing, easement, alleviation
    
10. Sculpture consisting of shapes carved on a surface so as to stand out from the surrounding background
    - relievo, rilievo, embossment, sculptural relief
     
11. The act of freeing a city or town that has been besieged
    "he asked for troops for the relief of Atlanta"
     
12. (geography) the height structure of the earth's surface
     
13. The difference made noticeable by a variation in height, light or colour

Derived forms: reliefs

Type of: aid, alteration, amends, assist, assistance, break, change, comfort, comfortableness, compeer, damages, decrease, diminution, equal, freeing, help, indemnification, indemnity, intermission, interruption, liberation, match, modification, pause, peer, public assistance, redress, redressal [Asia], reduction, release, restitution, sculpture, social welfare, step-down, suspension, welfare

Encyclopedia: Relief, North Carolina