# relieve

/ɹiˈɫiv/ (US) · /ɹɪlˈiːv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/relieve
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to reduce pain or worry

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- The doctor gave her some medicine to relieve the pain in her back.
- The government introduced new tax credits specifically designed to relieve the financial pressure on low-income families during the winter months.

### 2. to take over a duty

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- The night guard arrived at 8:00 PM to relieve the day staff.
- The fresh troops arrived at the border to relieve the exhausted battalion that had been stationed there for six months.

### 3. to remove a burden

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to free someone from a difficult task or responsibility.

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

- The new manager relieved him of his duties while the investigation continued.
- The court's decision effectively relieved the company of any further legal obligation to the former shareholders.

### 4. to go to the toilet

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

a polite way to say someone is using the toilet.

For teachers: a euphemistic reflexive construction for urination or defecation.

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

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal

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

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

- The army finally arrived to relieve the city after three months of fighting.
- The naval blockade was finally broken by a relief fleet, which managed to relieve the starving garrison just before they surrendered.

## Examples

- This medicine will help relieve your headache.
- The night shift security guard waited at the gate for his colleague to arrive and relieve him.
- International aid agencies are working tirelessly to relieve the suffering of refugees by providing clean water, medical supplies, and temporary shelter.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.