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 Words From

• re·lenting·ly adverb
• nonre·lenting adjective
• unre·lented 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

But the Clippers didn’t relent.

From Los Angeles Times

He said MacPhail took the knife with him so if Holly refused his demands to resume their relationship, he could "frighten" and "pressure" her by pulling the blade out and saying he would cut himself if she did not relent.

From BBC

Bristol did not relent and while a long spell with the ball failed to get them over, they came back for a penalty which MacGinty kicked to push them six points clear.

From BBC

“It’s 0-0 right now,” said Muncy, refusing to relent to the hype.

From Los Angeles Times

But Adams would not relent on the outrageous behavior even after getting elected to the New York state Senate in 2006.

From Slate

Related Words

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