renitent

adjective

re·​ni·​tent ˈre-nə-tənt How to pronounce renitent (audio)
ri-ˈnī-tᵊnt
1
: resisting physical pressure
2
: resisting constraint or compulsion : recalcitrant

Word History

Etymology

French or Latin; French rénitent, from Latin renitent-, renitens, present participle of reniti to resist, from re- + niti to strive — more at nisus

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of renitent was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near renitent

renitency

renitent

renminbi

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Cite this Entry

“Renitent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renitent. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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