soften

views updated May 18 2018

soft·en / ˈsôfən/ • v. make or become less hard: [tr.] plant extracts to soften and moisturize the skin | [intr.] let the vegetables soften over a low heat. ∎  make or become less severe: [intr.] her expression softened at the sight of Diane's white face. ∎  [tr.] undermine the resistance of (someone): the blockade appears a better weapon with which to soften them up for eventual surrender. ∎  [tr.] remove mineral salts from (water).