First Known Use: 1526
Dictionary
relent
verb re·lent \ri-ˈlent\
: to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing
: to become less severe, harsh, strong, determined, etc.
Full Definition of RELENT
intransitive verb
1
a : to become less severe, harsh, or strict usually from reasons of humanity b : to cease resistance : give in
transitive verb
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See relent defined for kids
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Origin of RELENT
Middle English, to melt, soften, from Anglo-French relenter, from re- + Latin lentare to bend, from lentus soft, pliant, slow — more at lithe
Related to RELENT
Synonym Discussion of RELENT
yield, submit, capitulate, succumb, relent, defer mean to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist. yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty <yields too easily in any argument>. submit suggests full surrendering after resistance or conflict to the will or control of another <a repentant sinner vowing to submit to the will of God>. capitulate stresses the fact of ending all resistance and may imply either a coming to terms (as with an adversary) or hopelessness in the face of an irresistible opposing force <officials capitulated to the protesters' demands>. succumb implies weakness and helplessness to the one that gives way or an overwhelming power to the opposing force <a stage actor succumbing to the lure of Hollywood>. relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand <finally relented and let the children stay up late>. defer implies a voluntary yielding or submitting out of respect or reverence for or deference and affection toward another <I defer to your expertise in these matters>.
Rhymes with RELENT
absent, accent, Advent, anent, ascent, assent, augment, besprent, cement, comment, consent, content, convent, descent, detent, dissent, docent, event, extent, ferment, foment, fragment, frequent, hell-bent, indent, intent, invent, lament, loment, low-rent, mordent, outspent, percent, pigment, portent, present, prevent, pup tent, quitrent, rack-rent, repent, resent, segment, Shymkent, Tashkent, torment, well-meant, wisent
RELENTING Defined for Kids
relent
verb re·lent \ri-ˈlent\
re·lent·edre·lent·ing
Definition of RELENT for Kids
1
: to become less severe, harsh, or strict <The wind relented by evening.>
2
: to give in after first resisting or refusing <My dad finally relented and increased my allowance.>
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