soften

To make soft or softer.

To undermine or reduce the strength, morale, or resistance of.

To make less harsh, strident, or critical.

To become soft or softer.

To remove from (natural water) the hardness due to the presence of salts of calcium or magnesium in solution. In the case of temporary hardness, boiling the water or adding to it a carefully determined proportion of calcium hydroxid is used to produce softening; in the case of permanent hardness, sodium carbonate, not in too large excess, may be added. See hardness, 2.

To become soft or less hard.

To become less rude, harsh, severe, or cruel; grow less obstinate or obdurate; become more susceptible of humane feelings and tenderness; relent.

To pass by soft, imperceptible degrees; melt; blend.

To make soft, or more soft.

To mollify; make less fierce or intractable; make more susceptible of humane or fine feelings: as, to soften a hard heart; to soften savage natures.