v.tr.
1. bring or provide aid or assistance to.
2 alleviate or reduce (pain, suffering, etc.).
3 mitigate the tedium or monotony of.
4 bring military support for (a besieged place).
5 release (a person) from a duty by acting as or providing a substitute.
6 (foll. by of) take (a burden or responsibility) away from (a person).
7 bring into relief; cause to appear solid or detached.
Phrases and idioms:
relieve one's feelings use strong language or vigorous behaviour when annoyed. relieve oneself urinate or defecate.
Derivatives:
relievable adj. reliever n.
Etymology: ME f. OF relever f. L relevare (as RE-, levis light)