relief

The pleasant feeling when a worry, danger, or unpleasant experience ends.

• I felt relief when she called.
• Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
• It was a huge relief to find my missing keys.

How to use it: relief that ... (I felt relief that everyone was safe.); a relief to do something (It was a relief to hear her voice.)

Similar words: reassurance, comfort

Opposites: worry

Common phrases: a sigh of relief, feel relief, a huge relief

Food, money, shelter, or other help given to people after a disaster.

• Relief arrived after the flood.
• Volunteers delivered relief supplies to remote villages.
• The charity raised money for earthquake relief.

Similar words: aid, assistance

Common phrases: disaster relief, relief supplies, relief workers

A reduction in pain or other physical discomfort.

• These tablets provide pain relief.
• The warm bath brought relief from her aching muscles.
• I got only temporary relief from the headache.

How to use it: relief from something (The cream provides relief from itching.)

Similar words: ease, alleviation

Common phrases: pain relief, temporary relief, relief from something

Help that reduces the money you owe or gives you money when you need it.

• Small businesses can claim tax relief.
• The government offered financial relief to struggling families.
• Debt relief helped the country pay for new schools.

How to use it: relief from something (The scheme offers relief from debt.)

Similar words: financial aid, assistance

Common phrases: tax relief, debt relief, financial relief

Something funny or enjoyable that gives people a break from a serious or difficult situation.

• Her jokes provided some comic relief.
• The cheerful song brought relief from the sad story.
• A funny scene gives the audience a moment of relief.

How to use it: relief from something (His jokes offered relief from the tense discussion.)

Similar words: light relief, respite

Common phrases: comic relief, provide relief, welcome relief

A person or group that takes over someone’s work so they can rest.

• My relief arrives at six.
• The guards waited for their relief.
• A relief driver took over after lunch.

Similar words: replacement, substitute

Common phrases: wait for relief, relief crew, relief driver