Re·lent v. i. [imp. & p. p. Relented; p. pr. & vb. n. Relenting.]
 1. To become less rigid or hard; to yield; to dissolve; to melt; to deliquesce. [Obs.]
 He stirred the coals till relente gan
 The wax again the fire.   --Chaucer.
    [Salt of tartar] placed in a cellar will . . . begin to relent.   --Boyle.
 When opening buds salute the welcome day,
 And earth, relenting, feels the genial ray.   --Pope.
 2. To become less severe or intense; to become less hard, harsh, cruel, or the like; to soften in temper; to become more mild and tender; to feel compassion.
 Can you . . . behold
 My sighs and tears, and will not once relent?   --Shak.