Dictionary
soften
verb soft·en \ˈsȯ-fən\
: to become less hard or firm or to make (something) less hard or firm
: to make (something) less dry or rough
: to make (something) less severe, harsh, extreme, etc.
soft·enedsoft·en·ing \ˈsȯ-fə-niŋ, ˈsȯf-niŋ\
Full 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
See soften defined for English-language learners
See soften defined for kids
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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
SOFTENING Defined for Kids
soften
verb soft·en \ˈsȯ-fən\
soft·enedsoft·en·ing
Definition of SOFTEN for Kids
1
: to make or become soft or less firm <Let the wax soften in the sun.>
2
: to make or become gentler or less harsh <The elder's stern expression softened. — Brian Jacques, Redwall>
— soft·en·er noun
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