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Definition of relief : 1. A fine or composition which the heir of a deceased tenant paid to the lord for the privilege of taking up the estate, which, on strict feudal principles, had lapsed or fallen to the lord on the death of the tenant.
2. Release from a post, or from the performance of duty, by the intervention of others, by discharge, or by relay; as, a relief of a sentry.
3. That which removes or lessens evil, pain, discomfort, uneasiness, etc.; that which gives succor, aid, or comfort; also, the person who relieves from performance of duty by taking the place of another; a relay.
4. The act of relieving, or the state of being relieved; the removal, or partial removal, of any evil, or of anything oppressive or burdensome, by which some ease is obtained; succor; alleviation; comfort; ease; redress.
5. The appearance of projection given by shading, shadow, etc., to any figure.
6. The elevations and surface undulations of a country.
7. The height to which works are raised above the bottom of the ditch.
8. The projection of a figure above the ground or plane on which it is formed.

Synonyms:

rest, aromatherapy, charitable, battle cry, bombed-out, clothing, the social, comforter, eternal sleep, belligerent, succor, championship, accompaniment, reserve, imprint, configuration, co-worker, joy, palliation, community chest, informality, anaesthesia, charity, superior, simplicity, residue, development, euphoria, 1099, redress, embossment, relief pitcher, the Boston Tea Party, rest period, stand-in, aggressor, hypodermic, contour, duty officer, donate, balance, simpleness, succour, reliever, alternative medicine, increase, self-improvement, pleasure, apparatchik, eternal rest, musical accompaniment, substitute, backup, pinch hitter, step change, collection box, leap, assisted living, black out, cheer, second-stringer, active service, chargeable, artificial feeding, relievo, locum tenens, elation, blackout, happiness, alms, acupuncture, ecstasy, moderateness, decoration, cover, temperance, ease, remainder, satisfaction, 1040 form, social security, assist, change, sleep, corporate welfare, shelter, artificial insemination, Chancellor of the Exchequer, anesthesia, relaxation, comforting, replacement, career woman, claw back, food, cause, sculptural relief, nirvana, child benefit, drug, jollity, child support, sub, handout, counterpart, public assistance, dole, associate, ancillary, junior, remission, moderation, rilievo, breadwinner, residuum, workmate, allayer, designated hitter, makeover, upswing, easiness, mitigation, backing, diversion, repose, fireman, delight, opposite number, means test, easing, residual, nursing, boost, acupressure, aftercare, community service, desk person, patronage, a change for the better/worse, computer backup, audit, beleaguered, commuter, reinforcement, subordinate, turnaround, abatement, hand, improvement, colleague, contentment, quietus, analgesia, medicine, auxiliary, abetment, time out, fill-in, allowance, projection, variety, cowboy, air cover, backup man, balm, active duty

consolation, respite, alleviation, cure, easement, assuagement, solace, comfort, remedy, mercy, mildness, appeasement

exception, liberty, pardon, concession, freedom, waiver, privilege, discharge, amnesty, license, stay, dismissal, excuse, absolution, dispensation, release, permission, reprieve, immunity, exemption

emancipation, rescue, salvation, extrication, deliverance

cast, carve, plaster cast, phallic, pedestal, bronze, figurine, bas-relief, carving, figure, sculpture, molding, mannequin, bust, statue, phallus, plinth, cameo

condolence, commiseration, sympathy, reassurance

delay, stoppage, interlude, postponement, interruption, interval, suspension, recess, pause, snag, break, hiatus, hitch

encouragement, avail, support, motivation, mothering, aid, facilitation, agency, benefit, endowment, maintenance, ministration, help, assistance, welfare, service, sustenance, attendant

Usage examples:

• Just then, and somewhat to his relief, Mrs. Devine came up to him. - "A Damaged Reputation", Harold Bindloss.
• Oh, that will indeed be a relief. - "A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia", Amanda Minnie Douglas.
• No, my sight is lost with eying: Shall I speak and beg relief? - "Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age", Various.