relent Meaning, Definition & Usage

Re*lent" intransitive verb

Etymology

F. ralentir, fr. L. pref. re- re- + ad to + lentus pliant, flexible, slow. See Lithe.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Relented; present participle & verbal noun Relenting

Definitions

1. To become less rigid or hard; to yield; to dissolve; to melt; to deliquesce. Obs.

   He stirred the coals till relente gan The wax again the fire. Chaucer.

   [Salt of tartar] placed in a cellar will . . . begin to relent. Boyle.

   When opening buds salute the welcome day, And earth, relenting, feels the genial ray. Pope.

2. To become less severe or intense; to become less hard, harsh, cruel, or the like; to soften in temper; to become more mild and tender; to feel compassion.

   Can you . . . behold My sighs and tears, and will not once relent? Shak.

Re*lent" transitive verb

Definitions

1. To slacken; to abate. Obs.

   And oftentimes he would relent his pace. Spenser.

2. To soften; to dissolve. Obs.
3. To mollify ; to cause to be less harsh or severe. Obs.

Re*lent" noun

Definitions

1. Stay; stop; delay. Obs.

   Nor rested till she came without relent Unto the land of Amazona. Spenser.