Define relief. relief synonyms, relief pronunciation, relief translation, English dictionary definition of relief. n. 1. a. The easing of a pain, distress, or anxiety: The drug provides quick relief from asthma. The news of their safe arrival came as a great relief.
relief (countable and uncountable, plural reliefs) (uncountable) A method of sculpture or other artwork in which shapes or figures protrude from a flat background. The apparent difference in elevation in the surface of a painting or drawing made noticeable by a variation in light or color.