Relent/rɪˈlent/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Humanity Driven Relent often implies a change of heart due to compassion or sympathy. She relented and hugged her teary-eyed child. Pro Tip 2/3Pressure Response The action of relenting can occur because of external pressure or persuasion. Under community pressure, the politician relented on the harsh law. Pro Tip 3/3Gradual Change 'Relent' used to describe a situation often suggests a gradual or slow change, not sudden. After hours of negotiation, they finally started to relent.