relieve

Everyday

1. To relieve pain, worry or a problem means to make it less or take it away. tree →
2. To relieve someone means to take over their job or duty so they can rest. tree →
3. (euphemism) To relieve yourself means to go to the toilet. tree →
4. (formal) To relieve someone of something means to take it from them. tree →

In the lessons

In health: medicine relieves pain; ice relieves swelling. In everyday life: guards relieve each other. In stories and humour: "relieved him of his wallet" means stole it. Phrases: relieve pain, relieve stress, relieve yourself, relieved to hear.

Examples

• This cream will relieve the itching. tree →
• A walk can relieve stress. tree →
• The night nurse relieved the day nurse at eight. tree →
• The dog went outside to relieve itself. tree →
• The waiter relieved me of my heavy coat. tree →
• I was relieved to hear that my cat was safe. tree →
• I would gladly try any remedy that may relieve my pain.' tree →

Note

Spelling: "i before e" — relieve, relief. Noun: relief. Adjective: relieved (feeling better after worry). "Relieve yourself" is a polite way to say go to the toilet.

In Jewish tradition

In Isaiah it means to help and rescue people who are being treated badly, not just to ease pain.

Interpretation. The prophet teaches that true worship needs justice, and Jewish tradition counts helping the oppressed as a duty toward God.

Examples

• Learn to do well; seek justice, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. (Prophets ISA.1.17, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling: "i before e" — relieve, relief. Noun: relief. Adjective: relieved (feeling better after worry). "Relieve yourself" is a polite way to say go to the toilet.