Relieve: meaning, definitions and examples

When you want to talk about reducing or removing something unpleasant, like pain or stress.

• The medicine will relieve your headache
• She was able to relieve her anxiety by meditating

Used in more formal situations, often related to lessening the severity of symptoms or problems, both physical and metaphorical.

• The new policy is expected to alleviate poverty in the region
• He took some painkillers to alleviate his back pain

Often used in casual contexts to talk about making something less severe or more comfortable.

• This cream should ease the itching
• Talking to friends can ease your worries

Typically used when referring to calming or comforting someone or something, often emotionally or physically.

• She sang a lullaby to soothe the crying baby
• A warm bath can soothe sore muscles

Used when you want to describe the reduction or removal of stress, pain, or pressure. Often used in medical or emotional contexts.

• The medicine helped to relieve her headache.
• Taking a walk can relieve stress.

Typically used to describe making something less unpleasant or painful. It can apply to both physical and emotional discomforts and is often used in everyday scenarios.

• She took deep breaths to ease her anxiety.
• Painkillers can help ease the discomfort.

Commonly used in more formal contexts to describe making symptoms or problems less severe. It often implies a temporary or partial reduction.

• The new treatment could alleviate many of the symptoms.
• Efforts were made to alleviate the suffering of the victims.

Used to describe making something smaller in amount, degree, or severity. It is often used in more general or abstract situations.

• The new laws aim to lessen pollution.
• Therapy can help lessen the impact of trauma.

Used when talking about reducing or removing stress, pain, or worry.

• The medication will relieve your headache.
• She felt relieved after hearing the good news.

Used when talking about letting someone or something go, or making something known or available.

• The company will release the new product next month.
• He was released from prison after serving his sentence.

Used when talking about assuming control, responsibility, or duties from someone else.

• She will take over the project after the manager leaves.
• The new CEO plans to take over the entire company.

Used when talking about replacing one thing or person with another.

• You can substitute olive oil for butter in this recipe.
• The coach will substitute the injured player with a new one.