Definition of repent
intransitive verb
1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2a : to feel regret or contritionb : to change one's mind
transitive verb
1 : to cause to feel regret or contrition
2 : to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for
repenter
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of repent in a Sentence
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 of repent from the Web
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The denomination did not formally rebuke its past until 1995, when Southern Baptists voted to repent and apologize for their history of racism, support of slavery and failure to stand firmly in opposition to white supremacy.
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Every one has a secret to hide, a grudge to work off, a sin to repent or to rejoice in.
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After being confronted by the prophet Nathan, David repented and changed his ways.
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Origen Adamantius, a third-century theologian, believed the wicked were punished after death, but only long enough for their souls to repent and be restored to their original state of purity.
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This is not the trajectory of someone who has repented.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'repent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of repent
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
Origin and Etymology of repent
Latin repent-, repens, present participle of repere to creep — more at reptile
REPENT Defined for English Language Learners
repent
playDefinition of repent for English Language Learners
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: to feel or show that you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and that you want to do what is right
REPENT Defined for Kids
repent
playDefinition of repent for Students
repented
;repenting
: to acknowledge regret for having done something wrong “Repent. Say that you are sorry …” — Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux
Learn More about repent
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See words that rhyme with repent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for repent Spanish Central: Translation of repent Nglish: Translation of repent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of repent for Arabic speakers
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