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

The condemned received the ministrations of a priest, and had the opportunity to repent and receive absolution. —Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2023

In a title role performed by La Scala ballerina Antonella Albano, Madina repents at the last minute and throws down her suicide vest inside a crowded Moscow café. —Colleen Barry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2024

During this 24-hour period, observant Jewish people fast, engage in reflection and prayer and formally repent for any sin that might have been committed during the previous Hebrew year. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 11 Oct. 2024

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