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, adjectiveWords nearby relent
released time,
releaser,
releasing factor,
releasing mechanism,
relegate,
relent,
relentless,
relenza,
relevance,
relevant,
relevé
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