re
lieve
Third Person
relieves
Present Participle
relieving
Past Tense
relieved
Past Participle
relieved
1
to decrease the amount of pain, stress, etc.
transitive
- Taking a short break can relieve stress during a busy workday.
- The ongoing therapy sessions are currently relieving her emotional distress.
- Medication has relieved the intensity of his chronic pain.
- A warm bath relieved the muscle tension after a long day.
- A good night's sleep will relieve fatigue and improve overall well-being.
2
to take something away through stealing or cunning actions
transitive
- The cunning thief sought to relieve the wealthy merchant of his prized possessions.
- In the dark alley, the mysterious figure attempted to relieve the unsuspecting victim of his wallet.
- The master thief skillfully relieved the museum of its priceless artifacts without triggering alarms.
- The notorious bandit was known for attempting to relieve travelers of their valuables on the deserted highway.
3
to take over for someone, typically temporarily, so that they can be freed from their duties
transitive
- The second-shift worker arrived early to relieve the tired employee who had been working since morning.
- The substitute teacher was called in to relieve the regular teacher, who was feeling unwell.
- I'll relieve you at the reception desk so you can take your lunch break.
- The backup quarterback was ready to relieve the starting quarterback if needed during the game.
- She volunteered to relieve her colleague for the afternoon so that he could attend a family event.
Synonyms:
4
to alleviate or mitigate a hardship, injustice, or oppressive situation through legal or official action
transitive
- The court's decision to overturn the unjust verdict relieved the defendant of a wrongful conviction.
- The pardon issued by the president relieved the political activist of the threat of imprisonment.
- The labor union negotiated with management to relieve workers of excessive overtime hours.
- The governor signed an executive order to relieve businesses of burdensome regulations.
Antonyms:
5
to provide assistance, reinforcements, or supplies to a location or group of people under siege or in a state of emergency
transitive
- The allied forces moved quickly to relieve the besieged city by air-dropping food and medical supplies.
- General Patton's armored division was sent to relieve the besieged troops at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.
- A convoy of trucks was organized to relieve the besieged town with food and water supplies.
- The military airlifted troops to relieve the besieged embassy and evacuate diplomatic personnel.
- The commander-in-chief ordered a rapid response team to relieve the besieged border town.
6
to break up monotony or boredom by adding diversity or change
transitive
- The colorful murals along the city streets relieve the otherwise drab concrete walls.
- The vibrant flowers in the garden relieved the monochrome palette of the courtyard.
- The patches of blue sky relieved the gray overcast of the stormy weather.
- The colorful storefronts along the street relieved the uniformity of the buildings.
- The greenery of the oasis relieved the barren landscape of the desert.
Synonyms:
7
to lessen or mitigate the intensity or burden of a situation
transitive
- Implementing time management techniques can relieve the pressure of looming deadlines.
- Delegating tasks to others can help relieve the workload and prevent burnout.
- A warm cup of tea before bed can help relieve insomnia and promote better sleep.
- Opening up about his feelings in therapy relieved the weight of depression he had been carrying.
Synonyms: