relieve

//rɪˈliːv//
B2Frequency Level 9Neutral
Visual representation of relieve

Verb

relieveInfinitive
relievePresent tense
relievedPast tense
relievedPast participle
relievingPresent participle
relievesThird-person singular
1

To cause pain, distress, or difficulty to become less severe or to disappear.

This medicine will relieve your headache.

2

To free someone from a duty or task by taking their place.

A new guard came to relieve him at midnight.

3

To bring military aid to a besieged town or force.

The army was sent to relieve the besieged city.

4

To make something less monotonous or boring by introducing variety.

She added some colorful paintings to relieve the dullness of the room.