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.

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, adverb non·re·lent·ing, adjective un·re·lent·ed, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for relent

British Dictionary definitions for relent

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