soften up Definition

soften
verb, tr & intr softened, softening

1. To make or become soft or softer.

Thesaurus: dissolve, disintegrate, thaw, melt.
2. To make or become less severe.

Example: soften the blow
Thesaurus: moderate, relax, relent, lessen, diminish, mollify, appease, temper, alleviate, assuage, calm, ease, quell, soothe, subdue.

Derivative: softener
noun

A substance added to another to increase its softness, pliability, etc, such as fabric softener.

Derivative: softening
noun

Phrasal Verb: soften someone up

To prepare them for an unwelcome or difficult request.

Phrasal Verb: soften up

To wear down by continuous shelling and bombing.