What does "relieve" mean?

1. (to reduce pain or worry) to make pain, stress, or a problem less severe. 2. (to take over a duty) to take someone's place at work so they can finish their shift or rest. 3. (to remove a burden) to free someone from a difficult task or responsibility. 4. (to go to the toilet) a polite way to say someone is using the toilet. 5. (to help a besieged place) to bring military help to a city or place that is surrounded by enemies.

How do you use "relieve"?

Always used reflexively as 'relieve oneself'.

relieve

US //ɹiˈɫiv// UK //ɹɪlˈiːv// re·lieve

1 to reduce pain or worry (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to make pain, stress, or a problem less severe.

to alleviate or mitigate physical pain, mental distress, or an unpleasant situation.

Example

The doctor gave her some medicine to relieve the pain in her back.

Example

The government introduced new tax credits specifically designed to relieve the financial pressure on low-income families during the winter months.
- aggravate
- worsen
2 to take over a duty (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to take someone's place at work so they can finish their shift or rest.

to release someone from a post or duty by taking their place.

Example

The night guard arrived at 8:00 PM to relieve the day staff.

Example

The fresh troops arrived at the border to relieve the exhausted battalion that had been stationed there for six months.
- replace
- take over from

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3 to remove a burden (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to free someone from a difficult task or responsibility.

to release someone from a specific obligation, responsibility, or difficulty.

Example

The new manager relieved him of his duties while the investigation continued.

Example

The court's decision effectively relieved the company of any further legal obligation to the former shareholders.
- burden
- obligate
4 to go to the toilet (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

a polite way to say someone is using the toilet.

a euphemistic reflexive construction for urination or defecation.

Example

He stopped the car at a petrol station to relieve himself.

Example

The hikers were forced to find a secluded spot behind the trees to relieve themselves before continuing the ascent.

Usage

Always used reflexively as 'relieve oneself'.
5 to help a besieged place (v.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Military

to bring military help to a city or place that is surrounded by enemies.

to bring military assistance to a besieged town or fortress in order to lift the siege.

Example

The army finally arrived to relieve the city after three months of fighting.

Example

The naval blockade was finally broken by a relief fleet, which managed to relieve the starving garrison just before they surrendered.
- rescue
- liberate
- besiege

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.