Definition
To become less strict or determined; to finally agree after refusing something for a while.
Example
She relented and let the kids stay up late.
Show translation
She finally gave in and allowed the kids to stay up late.
Etymology
From Middle English *relenten*, from Old French *relentir* ("to soften, slow down"), built on Latin *re-* (again) + *lentus* ("slow, flexible, sticky"). The core image is of something rigid gradually softening — like wax warming — until it yields.
Cultural note
The related adjective *relentless* — meaning "never stopping or giving up" — is extremely common in English and often appears in sports commentary, business writing, and motivational contexts. Knowing *relent* makes *relentless* immediately transparent: a relentless force is literally one that never relents.