relent

American  

[ri-lent] / rɪˈlɛnt /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nonrelenting adjective
• relentingly adverb
• unrelented adjective

Etymology

Origin of relent

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

Example Sentences

Then he relented and cut off a bit for Wolf, who slurped it up.

From Literature

After speaking to Mrs. Kuen, I had almost relented, almost agreed to take the first step and have my picture taken.

From Literature

I feel a pang of guilt watching him go, wondering if I should have relented.

From Literature

“We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated, but we do so on our timeline and at our choosing.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The boys were immediately on my side, begging for him to join us, and they eventually relented.

From Literature

Related Words

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