repent

1 of 2

verb

re·​pent ri-ˈpent 

repented; repenting; repents

intransitive verb

1

: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life

2

a

: to feel regret or contrition

b

: to change one's mind

transitive verb

1

: to cause to feel regret or contrition

2

: to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for

repenter noun

repent

2 of 2

adjective

re·​pent ˈrē-pənt 

: creeping, prostrate

repent stems

Synonyms

Verb

• bemoan
• deplore
• lament
• regret
• rue

Examples of repent in a Sentence

Verb

The preacher told us that we would be forgiven for our sins if we repented.

criminals who have repented for their crimes

The preacher told us that we would be forgiven if we repented our sins.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Still, Wallace reflected, repented and asked forgiveness. —Donald Nieman, The Conversation, 24 July 2024

He then gets kicked out of heaven before repenting and slowly redeems himself, eventually leveling up through constant battles to achieve enlightenment and become a Buddha himself. —Aja Romano, Vox, 4 Sep. 2024

When people repent and God forgives, prophecy does not play out. —Harper's Magazine, 21 June 2024

The prophet Jonah preached its destruction, but the people repented, and Nineveh was not destroyed. —Harper's Magazine, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French repentir, from Medieval Latin repoenitēre, from Latin re- + Late Latin poenitēre to feel regret, alteration of Latin paenitēre — more at penitent

Adjective

Latin repent-, repens, present participle of repere to creep — more at reptile

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Adjective

1669, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

repent

verb

re·​pent

ri-ˈpent

1

: to feel sorrow for one's sin and make up one's mind to do what is right

2

: to feel sorry for or dissatisfied with something one has done : regret

repenter noun