relieve (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /rɪˈliːv/

Definition

To cause pain, suffering, or discomfort to lessen or stop.

Examples

• The new policy aims to relieve the burden on small businesses.

• He took a deep breath to relieve his anxiety before the presentation.

• The cool water helped to relieve her sunburn.

How to Use relieve

relieve [someone] of [something] (prepositional phrase)

To take a burden, duty, or responsibility away from someone. — "The new software will relieve employees of tedious administrative tasks."

relieve [something] (verb)

To make a negative feeling or condition less severe. — "The cool compress helped to relieve the swelling."

relieve [someone] (verb)

To take over a duty or task from someone. — "The night shift will relieve the day staff at 6 PM."

Synonyms of relieve

Words with a similar meaning to relieve:

• ease
• alleviate
• mitigate
• assuage

Antonyms of relieve

Words with the opposite meaning to relieve:

• aggravate
• exacerbate

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