1. | ~ sth 解除，减轻，缓和（不快或痛苦）to remove or reduce an unpleasant feeling or pain |
to relieve the symptoms of a cold 减轻感冒的症状 | |
to relieve anxiety/guilt/stress 消除焦虑╱内疚；缓解压力 | |
Being able to tell the truth at last seemed to relieve her. 最后能够讲出真话似乎使她感到轻松。 |
2. | ~ sth 减轻（问题的严重性）；缓和；缓解to make a problem less serious |
efforts to relieve poverty 缓解贫困的努力 | |
to relieve traffic congestion 缓解交通拥堵 |
3. | ~ sth 调剂；使有趣to make sth less boring, especially by introducing sth different |
We played cards to relieve the boredom of the long wait. 长时间等待实在无聊，我们就打扑克来解闷儿。 | |
The black and white pattern is relieved by tiny coloured flowers. 五彩缤纷的小花使得黑白图案不那么单调。 |
4. | ~ sb 接替；给…换班to replace sb who is on duty |
to relieve a sentry 换岗 | |
You'll be relieved at six o'clock. 六点钟有人来换你的班。 |
5. | ~ sth 将（城镇从敌人的围困中）解围to free a town, etc. from an enemy army that has surrounded it |
6. | ~ yourself （去厕所的一种委婉说法）方便，解手a polite way of referring to going to the toilet |
I had to relieve myself behind a bush. 我只好在树丛后面方便了一下。 |
