/ rɪˈliːv; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
to remove or reduce an unpleasant feeling or pain :
to relieve the symptoms of a cold
to relieve anxiety / guilt / stress
Being able to tell the truth at last seemed to relieve her.
2.
to make a problem less serious
SYN alleviate :
efforts to relieve poverty
to relieve traffic congestion
3.
to make sth less boring, especially by introducing sth different :
We played cards to relieve the boredom of the long wait.
The black and white pattern is relieved by tiny coloured flowers.
4.
to replace sb who is on duty :
to relieve a sentry
You'll be relieved at six o'clock.
5.
to free a town, etc. from an enemy army that has surrounded it
6.
relieve yourself a polite way of referring to going to the toilet :
I had to relieve myself behind a bush.
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PHRASAL VERBS
- relieve sb of sth
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French relever , from Latin relevare , from re- (expressing intensive force) + levare raise (from levis light).