soften
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
softens;
softened;
softening
softens;
softened;
softening
Britannica Dictionary definition of SOFTEN
1
:
to become less hard or firm or to make (something) less hard or firm
[no object]
-
The butter will soften if left on the counter overnight.
-
The wax softened (up) quickly.
[+ object]
-
The recipe called for one stick of butter, softened.
-
Heat softens (up) wax quickly.
2
[+ object]
:
to make (something) less dry or rough
-
The oil is used to soften and preserve the leather.
-
The lotion softens dry skin.
3
a
[+ object]
:
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 object]
:
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
[+ object]
:
to make (something) less painful, forceful, or harmful
— often used figuratively
-
The grass softened my fall.
-
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
[+ object]
:
to make (something) seem rounder or less sharp
-
Her new haircut softened her features.
soften up
[phrasal verb]
1
soften (someone) up
or
soften up (someone)
:
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.
