soft·en 
/ˈsɑ:fən/ verb
soft·ens; soft·ened; soft·en·ing /ˈsɑ:fən/ verb 1 : to become less hard or firm or to make (something) less hard or firm [no obj] ▪ The butter will soften if left on the counter overnight. ▪ The wax softened (up) quickly. [+ obj] ▪ The recipe called for one stick of butter, softened. ▪ Heat softens (up) wax quickly. 2 [+ obj] : to make (something) less dry or rough
▪ The oil is used to soften and preserve the leather. ▪ The lotion softens dry skin. 3 a [+ obj] : to make (something) less severe, harsh, extreme, etc.
▪ The company has softened its stance on dating in the workplace. ▪ His arrogance is softened by a good sense of humor. [=his sense of humor makes his arrogance less annoying] ▪ Passing clouds softened the glare of the sun. [=passing clouds made the sun less bright]
b [no obj] : to become less harsh, severe, extreme, etc.
▪ Her face/voice/expression softened when he entered the room. ▪ His criticism of the president has softened in the past year.
c [+ obj] : to make (something) less painful, forceful, or harmful
▪ The grass softened my fall. — often used figuratively ▪ Management tried to soften the impact of the layoffs by offering early retirement packages. = They tried to soften the blow by offering early retirement packages. 4 [+ obj] : to make (something) seem rounder or less sharp
▪ Her new haircut softened her features.
▪ The oil is used to soften and preserve the leather. ▪ The lotion softens dry skin.
▪ The company has softened its stance on dating in the workplace. ▪ His arrogance is softened by a good sense of humor. [=his sense of humor makes his arrogance less annoying] ▪ Passing clouds softened the glare of the sun. [=passing clouds made the sun less bright]
b [no obj] : to become less harsh, severe, extreme, etc.
▪ Her face/voice/expression softened when he entered the room. ▪ His criticism of the president has softened in the past year.
c [+ obj] : to make (something) less painful, forceful, or harmful
▪ The grass softened my fall. — often used figuratively ▪ Management tried to soften the impact of the layoffs by offering early retirement packages. = They tried to soften the blow by offering early retirement packages.
▪ Her new haircut softened her features.
soften up [phrasal verb]
soften (someone) up or soften up (someone) 1 : to treat (someone) very well or kindly in order to make that person more likely to help you, give you something, etc.
▪ He tried to soften her up by buying her flowers. 2 : to weaken (an enemy) through military attacks
▪ They used artillery to soften up the enemy's defenses before launching a full-scale attack.
▪ He tried to soften her up by buying her flowers.
▪ They used artillery to soften up the enemy's defenses before launching a full-scale attack.
