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relieve

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ɹiˈɫiv// UK //ɹɪlˈiːv// re·lieve Archaic General-service Humorous

v. to make a bad feeling like pain, stress, or worry less strong. You can also use it when you take over a job or duty from someone so they can rest.

v. to alleviate or reduce the intensity of pain, distress, or anxiety; to release someone from a duty or station by taking their place.


SIMPLE

This medicine will help relieve your headache.

CONTEXTUAL

The night shift security guard waited at the gate for his colleague to arrive and relieve him.

COMPLEX

International aid agencies are working tirelessly to relieve the suffering of refugees by providing clean water, medical supplies, and temporary shelter.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Late Middle English releven, from Old French relever, specifically from the conjugated forms such as (jeo) relieve (“I lift up”), and its source, Latin relevo (“to lift up, lighten, relieve, alleviate”), combined form of re- (“back”) + levo (“to lift”). Doublet of relevate. Compare levant, levity, etc.

Usage

The verb is transitive. When used in the context of duties, it often takes the preposition 'of' ('to relieve someone of their duties').

Pitfall

The medicine relieved from my pain.The medicine relieved my pain.When 'relieve' means to reduce pain or stress, it is a transitive verb and takes a direct object without a preposition.

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