soften
Pronunciation:
/ˈsɑfən//ˈsɒfən//ˈsɔfən/verb
Definitions
To make something soft or softer.
Example: Soften the butter before beating in the sugar.
To undermine the morale of someone (often soften up).
Example: Before the invasion, we softened up the enemy with the artillery.
To make less harsh
Example: Having second thoughts, I softened my criticism.
To become soft or softer
Example: The butter softened as it warmed up.