relieves; relieved; relieving
1
: to reduce or remove (something, such as pain or an unpleasant feeling)
I took a pill to relieve my headache.
I wish I could relieve your suffering.
What's the best way to relieve stress?
She tried to relieve the tension by making a joke.
2
: to make (a problem) less serious
an effort to relieve traffic congestion
relieve poverty
We need to find ways to relieve overcrowding in our schools.
3
: to take the place of (someone who has been working, fighting, etc.)
I've come to relieve the guard on duty.
The soldiers were relieved by 30,000 fresh troops.
(baseball) He relieved the starting pitcher in the sixth inning.
4
: to make (something) less boring, dull, etc., by including a part that is different
His latest book is a long, serious novel relieved only by the occasional joke.
Cite this Entry
“Relieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/relieve. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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