What are the definitions of “relieve of”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To remove or take away (a burden, responsibility, etc.)
I have been relieved of my position as Artistic Director.
- 2To take something away from someone, especially by force or trickery.
It was a clever attempt to relieve him of his fortune.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “relieve of”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb relieve of is to remove or take away a burden, responsibility, or possession from someone. It can be used in various contexts, such as work, personal life, or even in situations involving force or trickery.
What are the different verb forms of “relieve of”?
| Root Verb | relieve of |
| Third Person Singular Present | relieves of |
| Present Participle | relieving of |
| Simple Past | relieved of |
| Past Participle | relieved of |
Example
The manager relieved her of her duties.
Example
He relieves her of the responsibility of organizing the event.
Example
The company is relieving him of his position as CEO.
Example
She was relieved of her duties as team leader.
Example
He had been relieved of his post due to misconduct.
What kind of phrasal verb is “relieve of”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“relieve of” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The boss relieved him of his duties.
Example
The thief relieved her of her purse.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“relieve of” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The boss relieved him of his duties.
Example
The thief relieved her of her purse.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “relieve of”?
Relieve someone of their duties
To remove someone from their job or position, often due to poor performance or misconduct.
Example
The employee was relieved of his duties after the investigation.
Relieve someone of their possessions
To take something away from someone, especially by force or trickery.
Example
The pickpocket relieved the tourist of his wallet.
Relieve someone of their responsibilities
To take away someone's responsibilities, often to help them or reduce their workload.
Example
She was relieved of her responsibilities to focus on her health.
Good things to know
Does “relieve of” have an informal or formal tone?
Relieve of is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business or legal discussions.
