repent

Repent is a verb describing the act of feeling or expressing sincere remorse for wrongdoing and, in many contexts, deciding to change one's behavior. It can denote both an emotional response—remorse or contrition—and a behavioral commitment to alter course.

Etymology: It comes from Middle English repenten, from Old French repentir, from Latin paenitere meaning to make sorry or to suffer regret. The noun repentance shares the same roots.

Religious contexts: In many religious traditions, repentance involves recognizing sin or fault, feeling remorse, confessing to the wronged party or to God, and turning away from the action or habit. It may include making amends or restitution and adopting a changed lifestyle. Different faiths phrase it differently: for example, teshuvah in Judaism, taubah in Islam, and a Christian emphasis on turning toward God.

Secular and psychological uses: In secular language, to repent can mean regretting a decision and altering plans accordingly. Psychologically, repentance relates to remorse and guilt but is often linked to broader moral change, rather than merely feeling bad. Some scholars distinguish between remorse (emotional) and repentance (a commitment to future conduct).

See also: The term is related to concepts such as remorse, contrition, forgiveness, and moral responsibility.