v.
Pronunciation: ri- ' lent
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, to melt, soften, from Anglo-French relenter, from re- + Latin lentare to bend, from lentus soft, pliant, slow ― more at LITHE
Date: 1526
intransitive verb
1 a : to become less severe, harsh, or strict usually from reasons of humanity b : to cease resistance : GIVE IN
2 : LET UP , SLACKEN
transitive verb obsolete : SOFTEN , MOLLIFY
synonyms see YIELD