RELIEVER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does reliever mean? 

• RELIEVER (noun)
  The noun RELIEVER has 3 senses:

1. someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)

2. a person who reduces the intensity (e.g., of fears) and calms and pacifies

3. a pitcher who does not start the game

  Familiarity information: RELIEVER used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• RELIEVER (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

backup; backup man; fill-in; relief; reliever; stand-in; substitute

Context example:

we need extra employees for summer fill-ins

Hypernyms ("reliever" is a kind of...):

compeer; equal; match; peer (a person who is of equal standing with another in a group)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "reliever"):

locum; locum tenens (someone (physician or clergyman) who substitutes temporarily for another member of the same profession)

double; stunt man; stunt woman (a stand-in for movie stars to perform dangerous stunts)

alternate; replacement; surrogate (someone who takes the place of another person)

Derivation:

relieve (free someone temporarily from his or her obligations)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A person who reduces the intensity (e.g., of fears) and calms and pacifies

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

allayer; comforter; reliever

Context example:

an allayer of fears

Hypernyms ("reliever" is a kind of...):

individual; mortal; person; somebody; someone; soul (a human being)

Derivation:

relieve (lessen the intensity of or calm)

Sense 3

Meaning:

A pitcher who does not start the game

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

fireman; relief pitcher; reliever

Hypernyms ("reliever" is a kind of...):

hurler; pitcher; twirler ((baseball) the person who does the pitching)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "reliever"):

closer; finisher ((baseball) a relief pitcher who can protect a lead in the last inning or two of the game)

Derivation:

relieve (free someone temporarily from his or her obligations)

 Context examples 

Examples include analgesics (pain relievers), such as aspirin and acetaminophen.

(Nonprescription, NCI Dictionary)

A high-fiber diet and mild pain reliever will often relieve symptoms.

(Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis, NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

Examples include analgesics (pain relievers) such as aspirin and acetaminophen.

(Over the Counter Product, NCI Dictionary)

Pain relievers are medicines that reduce or relieve headaches, sore muscles, arthritis, or other aches and pains.

(Pain Relievers, NIH)

Taking too much of certain pain relievers can lead to serious injury.

(Cold and Cough Medicines, Food and Drug Administration)

Your health care provider may recommend pain relievers.

(Ear Infections, NIH: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and resting can help.

(Back Pain, NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

Pain relievers, acupuncture and sometimes surgery are helpful.

(Pain, NIH)

Other possible treatments include pain relievers, keeping the injured area from moving, rehabilitation, and sometimes surgery.

(Joint Disorders, NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

Treatment depends on the cause, but may include applying ice, taking pain relievers, getting physical therapy or wearing a cervical collar.

(Neck Injuries and Disorders, NIH)