To alleviate or reduce pain, distress, or difficulty. The medication helped to relieve her headache.
To free someone from a duty or responsibility. The manager relieved him from his duties for the day.
To replace someone in a position or role, especially temporarily. The night shift worker arrived to relieve the day shift worker.
To release someone from a burden or pressure. He was relieved of his financial worries after winning the lottery.
To take or steal something from someone, often used humorously or euphemistically. The pickpocket deftly relieved the tourist of his wallet.
To urinate or defecate, usually expressed reflexively as "relieve oneself." He excused himself to the bushes to relieve himself.
To free (a besieged town, fortress, or group of troops) by the arrival of military aid. Reinforcements were dispatched to relieve the encircled city.
To lessen monotony or dullness by introducing contrast, variety, or ornamentation; to enliven or brighten. A few colorful cushions relieved the otherwise plain décor of the room.