relief

Meanings

Plural: reliefs

Noun

• the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
  • "as he heard the news he was suddenly flooded with relief"
• the condition of being comfortable or relieved (especially after being relieved of distress)
  • "he enjoyed his relief from responsibility"
• (law) redress awarded by a court
  • "was the relief supposed to be protection from future harm or compensation for past injury?"
• someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)
• assistance in time of difficulty
  • "the contributions provided some relief for the victims"
• a pause for relaxation
• a change for the better
• aid for the aged or indigent or handicapped
  • "he has been on relief for many years"
• the act of reducing something unpleasant (as pain or annoyance)
  • "he asked the nurse for relief from the constant pain"
• sculpture consisting of shapes carved on a surface so as to stand out from the surrounding background
• the act of freeing a city or town that has been besieged
  • "he asked for troops for the relief of Atlanta"
• The removal of stress or discomfort.
• The feeling associated with the removal of stress or discomfort.
• Release from a post or duty, as when replaced by another.
• The person who takes over a shift for another.
• Aid or assistance offered in time of need.
• Court-ordered compensation, aid, or protection, a redress.
• A lowering of a tax through special provisions; tax relief.
• A certain fine or composition paid by the heir of a tenant upon the death of the ancestor.
• Permission for a player to move their ball to a more convenient spot before taking a shot, under certain circumstances.
• A method of sculpture or other artwork in which shapes or figures protrude from a flat background.
• A sculpture or other artwork made with such a method.
• The apparent difference in elevation in the surface of a painting or drawing made noticeable by a variation in light or color.
• The difference of elevations on a surface.
• Relative distinctness, perceived difference due to contrast.
• The supposed projection of a charge from the surface of a field, indicated by shading on the sinister and lower sides.

Adj

• Characterized by surface inequalities.
• Of or used in letterpress.

Synonyms

alleviation, assuagement, backup, backup man, comfort, consolation, ease, easement, easing, embossing, embossment, fill-in, liss, ministration, moderation, release, relief, reliever, relievo, respite, rest, rest period, rilievo, sculptural relief, solace, stand-in, substitute, succor, succour, texture, topography