relief: Meaning and Definition of

re•lief

1. alleviation, ease, or deliverance through the removal of pain, distress, oppression, etc.
2. a means or thing that relieves pain, distress, anxiety, etc.
3. money, food, or other help given to those in poverty or need.
4. something affording a pleasing change, as from monotony.
5. release from a post of duty, as by the arrival of a substitute or replacement.
6. the person or persons acting as replacement.
7. the rescue of a besieged town, fort, etc., from an attacking force.
8. the freeing of a closed space, as a tank or boiler, from more than a desirable amount of pressure or vacuum.
9. a fine or composition which the heir of a feudal tenant paid to the lord for the privilege of succeeding to the estate.
1. a distinct or abrupt change in mood, scene, action, etc., resulting in a reduction of intensity, as in a play or novel.
2. Seecomic relief.
11. receiving financial assistance from a municipal, state, or federal government because of poverty or need.

re•lief

1. prominence, distinctness, or vividness due to contrast.
2. the projection of a figure or part from the ground or plane on which it is formed, as in sculpture or similar work.
3. a piece or work in such projection.
4. an apparent projection of parts in a painting, drawing, etc., giving the appearance of the third dimension.
5. the differences in elevation and slope between the higher and lower parts of the land surface of a given area.
6. Also calledany printing process, as letterpress or flexography, in which the printing ink is transferred to paper or another printed surface from areas that are higher than the rest of the block.