relent
[ ri-lent ]
/ rɪˈlɛnt /
verb (used without object)
to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; become more mild, compassionate, or forgiving.
to become less severe; slacken: The winds relented.
verb (used with object)
Obsolete. to cause to soften in feeling, temper, or determination.
Obsolete. to cause to slacken; abate.
Obsolete. to abandon; relinquish.
Words nearby relent
released time, releaser, releasing factor, releasing mechanism, relegate, relent, relentless, relenza, relevance, relevant, relevé
Origin of relent
1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin *relentāre, equivalent to Latin re- re- + lentāre to bend, derivative of lentus flexible, viscous, slow
OTHER WORDS FROM relent
re·lent·ing·ly, adverbnon·re·lent·ing, adjectiveun·re·lent·ed, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Examples from the Web for relenting
British Dictionary definitions for relenting
relent
/ (rɪˈlɛnt) /
verb (intr)
to change one's mind about some decided course, esp a harsh one; become more mild or amenable
(of the pace or intensity of something) to slacken
(of the weather) to become more mild
Word Origin for relent
C14: from re- + Latin lentāre to bend, from lentus flexible, tenacious
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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