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n. Idiom: 1. a. The easing of a pain, distress, or anxiety: The drug provides quick relief from asthma. The news of their safe arrival came as a great relief. b. Something that alleviates pain, distress, or anxiety: It was a relief to see that everyone had arrived safely. 2. a. Aid in time of danger: disaster relief. b. Rescue from a siege: troops sent for the relief of the fort. c. Public assistance: people eligible for relief. 3. a. Release from a post or duty, such as that of sentinel. b. One who takes over a post or duty for another. 4. Something that makes a pleasant or amusing change from something tedious or unpleasant: The music was a great relief after all those phone calls. 5. a. The projection of figures or forms from a flat background, as in sculpture, or the apparent projection of such shapes in a painting or drawing. b. A work of art featuring such projection. Also called relievo. 6. Geology The variations in elevation of an area of the earth's surface. 7. Distinction or prominence due to contrast: "The light brought the white church ... into relief from the flat ledges" (Willa Cather). 8. Law The objective sought by a lawsuit or legal action, such as an award of monetary damages or an order requiring the other party to take a particular action. 9. Baseball The pitching done by a relief pitcher: gave the team two innings of excellent relief. 10. A payment made by the heir of a deceased tenant to a feudal lord for the privilege of succeeding to the tenant's estate. on relief Receiving public assistance because of need or poverty. [Middle English, from Old French, from relever, to relieve; see RELIEVE. Senses 5, 6, and 7, French, from Italian rilievo; see BAS-RELIEF.] |
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