SOFTEN
soften
Verb
- To make something soft or softer.- Soften the butter before beating in the sugar.
 
- To undermine the morale of someone (often soften up).- Before the invasion, we softened up the enemy with the artillery.
 
- To make less harsh- Having second thoughts, I softened my criticism.
 
- To become soft or softer- The butter softened as it warmed up.
 
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