relent v : give in, as to influence or pressure [syn: yield, soften] [ant: stand]

English

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɛnt

Etymology

re- + lentus

Noun

1. Stay; stop; delay.

Verb

1. To become less rigid or hard; to yield; to dissolve; to melt; to deliquesce.
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.
3. To slacken; to abate.
4. To soften; to dissolve.
5. To mollify; to cause to be less harsh or severe.

Related terms

• relentless

accede, accept, acquiesce, assent, be agreeable, be conservative, be moderate, be pacifistic, bend, capitulate, come round, comply, compromise, consent, die down, ease off, ebb, face the music, fall, forbear, forgive, give, give ground, give quarter, give way, go along with, have mercy upon, have pity, keep the peace, keep within bounds, keep within compass, knock under, knuckle down, knuckle under, let up, let up on, live temperately, live with it, melt, moderate, not make waves, not resist, obey, pardon, practice nonviolence, practice self-control, relax, remit, reprieve, resign, settle down, show mercy, show pity, slacken, sober down, soften, spare, strike a balance, submit, subside, succumb, swallow it, swallow the pill, take, take in sail, take it, take pity on, thaw, unbend, wane, yield