pent

¹

[ pent ]

verb

1. a simple past tense and past participle of pen ².

adjective

1. shut in; confined.

pent

²

[ pent ]

noun

1. penthouse ( def 4 ).

Pent.

³

abbreviation for

1. Pentecost.

pent

/ pɛnt /

verb

1. a past tense and past participle of pen 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of pent¹

First recorded in 1535–45; late Middle English pente, pent, past participle of obsolete pend, variant of pennen “to enclose, confine”; pen ²

Origin of pent²

By shortening

Example Sentences

Slow slip events occur when pent up tectonic forces are released over the course of a few days or months, like an earthquake unfolding in slow motion.

From Science Daily

“But also, there is so much pent up demand. The state is getting all this growth, and most of it is in the Treasure Valley.”

From Seattle Times

Rock bursts happen when pent up energy stored in rock causes it to violently fracture.

From Reuters

“But slowly, activity will resume” as economic activity pent up in wartime is released, he said.

From Seattle Times

William Brackett, whose namesake son was among those killed, visited the memorial Saturday and said he could feel pent up tension leave his body when he learned Card was dead.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cramped
• definite
• limited
• precarious
• precise
• slender
• slim
• small
• thin
• tight