'relent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'relentare,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'lentare' meant 'to bend or soften.'

'relentare' transformed into the Old French word 'relenter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'relent' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to soften or melt,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to become less severe or intense.'