repent

1
[ ri-pent ]
/ rɪˈpɛnt /

verb (used without object)

to 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.

verb (used with object)

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

1
1250–1300; Middle English repenten < Old French repentir, equivalent to re- re- + pentir to feel sorrow (< Latin paenitēre to regret, be sorry); see penitent

OTHER WORDS FROM repent

Definition for repent (2 of 2)

repent 2
[ ree-puh nt, ri-pent ]
/ ˈri pənt, rɪˈpɛnt /

adjective

Origin of repent

2
1660–70; < Latin rēpent- (stem of rēpēns), present participle of rēpere to crawl, creep; see -ent

Example sentences from the Web for repent

British Dictionary definitions for repent (1 of 2)

repent 1
/ (rɪˈpɛnt) /

verb

to feel remorse (for); be contrite (about); show penitence (for) he repents of his extravagance; he repented his words

Derived forms of repent

repenter, noun

Word Origin for repent

C13: from Old French repentir from re- + pentir to be contrite, from Latin paenitēre to repent

British Dictionary definitions for repent (2 of 2)

repent 2
/ (ˈriːpənt) /

adjective

botany lying or creeping along the ground; reptant repent stems

Word Origin for repent

C17: from Latin rēpere to creep