[re.lent] vb [ME, to melt, soften, fr. AF relenter, fr. re- + L lentare to bend, fr. lentus soft, pliant, slow--more at lithe] vi (1526) 1 a: to become less severe, harsh, or strict usu. from reasons of humanity b: to cease resistance: give in
2: let up, slacken ~ vt, obs: soften, mollify syn see yield