relief in WordNet English dictionary

1. the act of reducing something unpleasant (as pain or annoyance)
   "he asked the nurse for relief from the constant pain"
   easing  easement  alleviation  relief 
   
2. the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
   "as he heard the news he was suddenly flooded with relief"
   relief  alleviation  assuagement 
   
3. someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)
   "the star had a stand-in for dangerous scenes"; "we need extra employees for summer fill-ins"
   stand-in  substitute  relief  reliever  backup  backup man  fill-in 
   
4. the condition of being comfortable or relieved (especially after being relieved of distress)
   "he enjoyed his relief from responsibility"; "getting it off his conscience gave him some ease"
   relief  ease 
   
5. a change for the better
   easing  moderation  relief 
   
6. sculpture consisting of shapes carved on a surface so as to stand out from the surrounding background
   relief  relievo  rilievo  embossment  sculptural relief 
   
7. assistance in time of difficulty
   "the contributions provided some relief for the victims"
   relief  succor  succour  ministration 
   
8. aid for the aged or indigent or handicapped
   "he has been on relief for many years"
   relief 
   
9. the act of freeing a city or town that has been besieged
   "he asked for troops for the relief of Atlanta"
   relief 
   
10. (law) redress awarded by a court
    "was the relief supposed to be protection from future harm or compensation for past injury?"
    relief 
    
11. a pause for relaxation
    "people actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests"
    respite  rest  relief  rest period