alleviation, ease, or deliverance through the removal of pain, distress, oppression, etc.

a means or thing that relieves pain, distress, anxiety, etc.

money, food, or other help given to those in poverty or need.

something affording a pleasing change, as from monotony.

release from a post of duty, as by the arrival of a substitute or replacement.

the person or persons acting as replacement.

the rescue of a besieged town, fort, etc., from an attacking force.

the freeing of a closed space, as a tank or boiler, from more than a desirable amount of pressure or vacuum.

Feudal Law . a fine or composition which the heir of a feudal tenant paid to the lord for the privilege of succeeding to the estate.

Literature .

a distinct or abrupt change in mood, scene, action, etc., resulting in a reduction of intensity, as in a play or novel.

comic relief. ?

on relief, receiving financial assistance from a municipal, state

or federal government because of poverty or need.

noun

damage , hurt , injury , pain

noun

abatement , allayment , alleviation , amelioration , appeasement , assistance , assuagement , balm , break , breather , cheer , comfort , comforting , consolation , contentment , cure , deliverance , diversion , ease , easement , extrication , fix , hand , happiness , help , letup , lift , lightening , load off one’s mind , maintenance , mitigation , mollification , palliative , quick fix * , refreshment , release , remission , reprieve , respite , rest , restfulness , satisfaction , softening , solace , succor , support , sustenancenotes:relief (standing out) and intaglio (sunken) are opposites in art , abetment , aid , assist , palliation , dole , handout , public assistance , welfare , replacement , antidote , food , map , projection , prominence , redress , reinforcement , relay , remedy