relief

Etymology 1

From Old French relief (“assistance”), from Old French relever (“to relieve”), from Latin relevare (“to raise up, make light”). See also relieve.

noun

1. The removal of stress or discomfort.
   I sighed with relief when I found out that my daughter hadn't got lost, but was waiting for me at home.
2. The feeling associated with the removal of stress or discomfort.
   Tony's face expressed relief, and Nettie sat silent for a moment until the vicar said “It was a generous impulse, but it may have been a momentary one,[…].” 1907, Harold Bindloss, chapter 20, in The Dust of Conflict
   DfT's action was greeted with great relief in many quarters. April 8 2020, Philip Haigh, “Out of the current crisis we could see meaningful changes”, in Rail, page 56
3. Release from a post or duty, as when replaced by another.
4. The person who takes over a shift for another.
   Officer Schmidt can finally go home because his relief has arrived.
   At Leeds a relief crew was waiting—but without a relief locomotive; after some discussion, the new men offered to take on the A3. …. 1963 February, “Motive Power Miscellany: London Midland Region”, in Modern Railways, page 136
5. Aid or assistance offered in time of need.
6. (law) Court-ordered compensation, aid, or protection, a redress.
7. A lowering of a tax through special provisions; tax relief.
8. A certain fine or composition paid by the heir of a tenant upon the death of the ancestor.

Etymology 2

From Italian rilievo, from rilevare (“to raise”), from Latin relevō (“to raise”).

noun

1. A type of sculpture or other artwork in which shapes or figures protrude from a flat background.
2. The apparent difference in elevation in the surface of a painting or drawing made noticeable by a variation in light or color.
3. The difference of elevations on a surface.
   the relief on that part of the Earth's surface
   The approach to Newcastle (Central) Station from the north after a heavy snowfall. The complicated track layout is thrown into clear relief by the snow [referring to dark rails poking through the snow] 1947 January and February, “A Winter's Day on the Tyneside”, in Railway Magazine, page 29, photo caption
4. (heraldry) The supposed projection of a charge from the surface of a field, indicated by shading on the sinister and lower sides.

adj

1. (of a surface) Characterized by surface inequalities.
2. Of or used in letterpress.