<p><strong>Verb (used without object):</strong></p><ul><li>to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; become more mild, compassionate, or forgiving.</li><li>Synonyms: yield, bend</li><li>to become less severe; slacken: The winds relented.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object):</strong></p><ul><li>Obsolete: to cause to soften in feeling, temper, or determination.</li><li>Obsolete: to cause to slacken; abate.</li><li>Obsolete: to abandon; relinquish.</li></ul>