Relent

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɹɪˈlÉ›nt/
• Rhymes: -É›nt

Origin

From Latin re- + lentus.

From Middle English, from Anglo-Norman relenter, from Latin re- + lentare to bend, from lentus soft, pliant, slow. Date 1526 - merriam-webster.com

Full definition of relent

Noun

1. Stay; stop; delay.

Derived terms

• relentless

Verb

1. To become less severe or intense; to become less hard, harsh, or cruel; to soften in temper; to become more mild and tender; to feel compassion.He relented of his plan to murder his opponent, and decided just to teach him a lesson instead.I did, I suppose, hope that she might finally relent a little and make some conciliatory response or other. (from "The Remains of the Day"‎ by Kazuo Ishiguro)
• ShakespeareCan you ... behold
  My sighs and tears, and will not once relent?
2. To slacken; to abate.We waited for the storm to relent before we ventured outside.He will not relent in his effort to reclaim his victory.
3. (obsolete, transitive) To lessen, make less severe or fast.
• 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, III.iv:But nothing might relent her hastie flight;
  So deepe the deadly feare of that foule swaine
  Was earst impressed in her gentle spright ....
4. (dated) To become less rigid or hard; to soften; to yield; to dissolve; to melt; to deliquesce.
• Boyleof tartar placed in a cellar will ... begin to relent.
• Alexander PopeWhen opening buds salute the welcome day,
  And earth, relenting, feels the genial ray.