I. rə̇ˈpent, rēˈp- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English repenten, from Old French repentir, from re- + pentir to be sorry, from Latin paenitēre to be sorry, cause to be sorry — more at penitence
intransitive verb
1. : to turn from sin out of penitence for past wrongdoings, abandon sinful or unworthy purposes and values, and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
unless you repent you will all likewise perish — Lk 13:3 (Revised Standard Version)
2.
a. : to feel regret or contrition for what one has done or omitted to do
marry in haste and repent at leisure
— often used with of
repented of his decision to give up the study of medicine
b. : to change one's mind about something one has done or said
begins with a sweeping condemnation of his opponent's views, but later repents somewhat and finds some good in them
take him up on his promise before he repents
transitive verb
1. : to cause (one or oneself) to feel regret or contrition for a past action, course of conduct, or decision
it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth — Gen 6:6 (Authorized Version)
it repented me of my boldness — Grant Allen
2.
a. : to feel sorrow or regret for : be dissatisfied or regretful about
he repented his marriage and suffered from it — George Eliot
repented her rashness
repented his bargain
b. : to feel repentance for : do penance for
repent his sins
repent the evil of his ways
II. ˈrēpənt adjective
Etymology: Latin repent-, repens, present participle of repere to creep — more at reptile
: creeping , prostrate