[soft.en] vb soft.ened ; soft.en.ing vt (14c) 1: to make soft or softer
2. a: to weaken the military resistance or the morale of esp. by harassment (as preliminary bombardment)--often used with up b: to impair the strength or resistance of--often used with up "~ up a sales prospect" ~ vi: to become soft or softer -- soft.en.er n