relent

[ri-lent]

verb (used without object)

1. to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; become more mild, compassionate, or forgiving.

   Synonyms: yield, bend

2. to become less severe; slacken.

   The winds relented.

verb (used with object)

1. Obsolete.,  to cause to soften in feeling, temper, or determination.

2. Obsolete.,  to cause to slacken; abate.

3. Obsolete.,  to abandon; relinquish.

relent

/ rɪˈlɛnt /

verb

1. to change one's mind about some decided course, esp a harsh one; become more mild or amenable

2. (of the pace or intensity of something) to slacken

3. (of the weather) to become more mild

Other Word Forms

• relentingly adverb
• nonrelenting adjective
• unrelented adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relent¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin *relentāre, equivalent to Latin re- re- + lentāre to bend, derivative of lentus flexible, viscous, slow

Word History and Origins

Origin of relent¹

C14: from _re- + Latin lentāre to bend, from lentus flexible, tenacious

Example Sentences

Spare a thought then for Switzerland, which has been hit with punitive tariffs of 39%, and has so far been unable to persuade the US president to relent.

Read more on BBC

“But I’m finishing a paper,” a straight-A teen might say, in which case they would relent.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

If they apply enough pressure, legally or emotionally, you will relent.

Read more on MarketWatch

"This award serves as motivation for us to continue striving for excellence," he added, as his colleagues attacked him with fake flies, before he revealed he was wearing a zebra-print shirt and they relented.

Read more on BBC

“Gaza is burning,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a post on X. “We will not relent or turn back until the mission is complete.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acquiesce 
• capitulate 
• cave in 
• come around 
• comply 
• ease off 
• give in 
• give up 
• let go 
• quit 
• relax 
• slacken 
• soften 
• subside