relieve
verb (used with object)
to ease or alleviate (pain, distress, anxiety, need, etc.).
were relieving
-
past progressiveof relieve.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It said Wagner units were now focusing on advancing in the centre of Bakhmut, while Russian paratroopers were relieving them in attacks on the city's flanks.
From Reuters ● Apr. 14, 2023
On Thursday, the traffic was so backed up east that people were relieving themselves in a ditch along the side of the road.
From New York Times ● Mar. 3, 2022
Park officials say with restrooms overflowing, some visitors were relieving themselves along roadsides.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 31, 2018
A public health official lamented the “serious” problem, but said that there was no way to count the number of pigeons that were relieving themselves across the city.
From Slate ● Apr. 10, 2015
To get the key, you presented yourself at the gate and waited for the officer you were relieving to drop the key down in a bucket on a rope.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
