relent

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to become less severe, harsh, or determined and finally yield

   After several appeals, the landlord relented and extended the deadline.

2. 2
   verb

   to become less intense or continuous

   The rain did not relent until shortly before dawn.

From Middle English relenten and Anglo-French relentir, 'to soften or slacken,' ultimately associated with Latin lentus, 'flexible, slow, or tenacious.' Early uses described something melting or becoming less rigid; the modern moral sense compares a hard attitude becoming softer.

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