repent
1to feel sorry, self-reproachful, or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience-stricken about a past action, attitude, etc. (often followed by of): He repented after his thoughtless act.
to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better; be penitent.
to remember or regard with self-reproach or contrition: to repent one's injustice to another.
to feel sorry for; regret: to repent an imprudent act.
Origin of repent
1Other words from repent
- re·pent·er, noun
- re·pent·ing·ly, adverb
- un·re·pent·ed, adjective
- un·re·pent·ing, adjective
- un·re·pent·ing·ly, adverb
Words Nearby repent
Other definitions for repent (2 of 2)
Origin of repent
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use repent in a sentence
The newborn suffered terrible burns to her face before the family repented and took her home.
If Hiltz had had his way, he said, he “would not pardon rebels, especially the leaders” until they first supplicated themselves “in the dust of humiliation” and sincerely repented for the rebellion.
The future in Afghanistan may be key to the well-being of America’s soldiers | Dillon Carroll | May 6, 2021 | Washington PostNature shields us from the worst consequences of our own actions, forgiving the sins we refuse to repent.
Humanity’s greatest ally against climate change is the Earth itself | Sarah Kaplan | April 22, 2021 | Washington PostAs the years rolled on, Cronos repented his actions, but it was too late.
I need them to repent of what got them here and turn in a new direction.
'We Must Have a Third Reconstruction.' Read the Full Text of the Rev. William J. Barber II's Sermon at the Inaugural Prayer Service | William J. Barber II | January 21, 2021 | Time
They were told, again as gently as such a message could be, that they were unbelievers but would soon repent.
Abducted, Tortured, Indoctrinated: The Tale of a Teen Who Escaped ISIS | Yusuf Sayman | August 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTA: You must repent for entertaining the notion of killing a person, especially as a means of resolving a dispute.
Two of the women repent, so they ascend to heaven, and one woman refuses, and is doomed to hell.
But rather than hiding away in a dark monastery to repent, Cardinal Law is instead an exalted member of Vatican inner circles.
Investigating signs and ads, such as repent and Sin No More!
Mr. Pickwick—deepest obligations—life preserver—made a man of me—you shall never repent it, sir.
The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, v. 2(of 2) | Charles DickensWhen the father had finished, he stabbed his wife, telling her to repent of her sins and to confess to God who would pardon her.
But later the Marshal had bitter cause to repent these triumphs won over his rival.
Napoleon's Marshals | R. P. Dunn-PattisonBut if the house had been transferred, A could not afterwards repent of his act and demand its return.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman | Albert Sidney BollesIf it shall do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice: I will repent of the good that I have spoken to do unto it.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | Various
British Dictionary definitions for repent (1 of 2)
/ (rɪˈpɛnt) /
to feel remorse (for); be contrite (about); show penitence (for): he repents of his extravagance; he repented his words
Origin of repent
1Derived forms of repent
- repenter, noun
British Dictionary definitions for repent (2 of 2)
/ (ˈriːpənt) /
botany lying or creeping along the ground; reptant: repent stems
Origin of repent
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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