verb (used with object), re·lieved, re·liev·ing.
- to free (a closed space, as a tank, boiler, etc.) of more than a desirable pressure or vacuum.
- to reduce (the pressure or vacuum in such a space) to a desirable level.
verb (used without object), re·lieved, re·liev·ing.
Origin of relieve
Synonyms for relieve
Antonyms for relieve
Related Words for relievingmitigate, subdue, relax, ease, comfort, free, soothe, cure, calm, alleviate, diminish, allay, assuage, assist, absolve, appease, console, solace, palliate, lighten
Examples from the Web for relieving
Contemporary Examples of relieving
Instead of lessons about the dangerous, addictive, and deadly qualities of prescription opioids, he got lessons on relieving pain.America’s Oxy-Express Route to Heroin Addiction
May 15, 2014
By relieving McElhone of the brash movie ending she is able to maintain her grasp on a flawed but still complex character.Return of the Bunny Boiler: Fatal Attraction’s World Stage Premiere
March 26, 2014
Sure revealing that you secretly like to paint might be relieving, but what next?Ashton Kutcher Is Investing in the Anonymous Confessional App Secret
March 14, 2014
Exit might give them a nice export boost, relieving some of the crippling unemployment currently afflicting Italian workers.Euro Crisis: Reheated
February 27, 2013
They made several trips to the bathroom,” he says, indicating “they were possibly doing more than just relieving themselves.U.S. Marines Accused of Injuring Brazilian Stripper
May 1, 2012
Historical Examples of relieving
It was relieving to hurry across the dripping grass toward the barn.Dust
Mr. and Mrs. Haldeman-Julius
Is he not the presiding genius of the company for relieving the Poles?The Macdermots of Ballycloran
Why had Plowden, by the way, been so keen about relieving her from her father's importunities?The Market-Place
Soon after relieving Buford, we saw some Rebel infantry advancing.Three Years in the Federal Cavalry
What you planning to do, Joe, between now and relieving me at midnight?
Word Origin for relieve
late 14c., "alleviate (pain, etc.), mitigate; afford comfort; allow respite; diminish the pressure of," also "give alms to, provide for;" also figuratively, "take heart, cheer up;" from Old French relever "to raise, relieve" (11c.) and directly from Latin relevare "to raise, alleviate, lift up, free from a burden," from re-, intensive prefix (see re-), + levare "to lift up, lighten," from levis "not heavy" (see lever).
The notion is "to raise (someone) out of trouble." From c.1400 as "advance to the rescue in battle;" also "return from battle; recall (troops)." Meaning "release from duty" is from early 15c. Related: relieved; relieving.