relief

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The removal of stress or discomfort.

   “I sighed with relief when I found out that my daughter hadn't got lost, but was waiting for me at home.”

   “Although the Celebrity was almost impervious to sarcasm, he was now beginning to exhibit visible signs of uneasiness,[…]. It was with a palpable relief that he heard the first warning notes of the figure.”

2. (countable, uncountable)The feeling associated with the removal of stress or discomfort.

   “Tony's face expressed relief, and Nettie sat silent for a moment until the vicar said “It was a generous impulse, but it may have been a momentary one,[…].””

   “DfT's action was greeted with great relief in many quarters.”

3. (countable, uncountable)Release from a post or duty, as when replaced by another.
4. (countable, uncountable)The person who takes over a shift for another.

   “Officer Schmidt can finally go home because his relief has arrived.”

   “At Leeds a relief crew was waiting—but without a relief locomotive; after some discussion, the new men offered to take on the A3. [...].”

5. (countable, uncountable)Aid or assistance offered in time of need.

   “Relief arrived quickly after the disaster.”

   “On busy days, they also may be seen bowling along the Brighton main line, north of Keymer Junction, with a relief Newhaven boat express, […].”

6. (countable, uncountable)Military assistance to break a siege or an encirclement.
7. (countable, uncountable)Court-ordered compensation, aid, or protection, a redress.
8. (countable, uncountable)A lowering of a tax through special provisions; tax relief.
9. (countable, uncountable)A certain fine or composition paid by the heir of a tenant upon the death of the ancestor.
10. (countable, uncountable)Permission for a player to move their ball to a more convenient spot before taking a shot, under certain circumstances.
11. (Australia, New-Zealand, abbreviation, alt-of, colloquial, countable, ellipsis, uncountable)Ellipsis of relief teacher.

    “Do we have a relief for maths today?”

12. (uncountable)A method of sculpture or other artwork in which shapes or figures protrude from a flat background.
13. (countable)A sculpture or other artwork made with such a method.
14. (countable, uncountable)The apparent difference in elevation in the surface of a painting or drawing made noticeable by a variation in light or color.
15. (countable, uncountable)The difference of elevations on a surface.

    “the relief on that part of the Earth's surface”

    “The approach to Newcastle (Central) Station from the north after a heavy snowfall. The complicated track layout is thrown into clear relief by the snow [referring to dark rails poking through the snow]”

16. (countable, uncountable)Relative distinctness, perceived difference due to contrast.

    “And is it that the haze of grief ⁠Hath stretch’d my former joy so great? ⁠The lowness of the present state, That sets the past in this relief?”

17. (countable, uncountable)The supposed projection of a charge from the surface of a field, indicated by shading on the sinister and lower sides.

adj

1. Characterized by surface inequalities.
2. Of or used in letterpress.