soften

soft·en

verb \ˈsȯ-fən\

soft·enedsoft·en·ing \ˈsȯ-fə-niŋ, ˈsȯf-niŋ\

Definition of SOFTEN

transitive verb

1

: to make soft or softer

2

a : to weaken the military resistance or the morale of especially by harassment (as preliminary bombardment) —often used with up

b : to impair the strength or resistance of —often used with up <soften up a sales prospect>

intransitive verb

: to become soft or softer <her face softened>

— soft·en·er \ˈsȯ-fə-nər, ˈsȯf-nər\ noun

Examples of SOFTEN

1. The butter will soften if left on the counter overnight.
2. The recipe called for one stick of butter, softened.
3. The oil is used to soften and preserve the leather.
4. The lotion softens dry skin.
5. The company has softened its stance on dating in the workplace.
6. Her face softened when he entered the room.
7. His criticism of the president has softened in the past year.
8. The grass softened my fall.

First Known Use of SOFTEN

14th century

Related to SOFTEN

Synonyms

debilitate, devitalize, enervate, enfeeble, etiolate, prostrate, sap, weaken, tire, waste

Antonyms

beef (up), fortify, strengthen

Related Words

cripple, disable, hamstring, incapacitate; deplete, depress, exhaust, impoverish, unman, wash out; damage, harm, hurt, impair, injure, invalid, lay up; break down, grind (down), wear down, wear out; paralyze

Near Antonyms

energize, invigorate, recruit, rejuvenate, vitalize; harden, season, toughen

Rhymes with SOFTEN

coffin, dauphin, often