soften (v.)

  1. make (images or sounds) soft or softer

  2. lessen in force or effect; soften a shock; break a fall

    [ Syn: dampen , damp , weaken , break ]

  3. give in, as to influence or pressure

    [ Syn: yield , relent ]

  4. protect from impact; cushion the blow

    [ Syn: cushion , buffer ]

  5. make less severe or harsh; He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears

    [ Syn: mince , moderate ]

  6. make soft or softer; This liquid will soften your laundry'

  7. become soft or softer; The bread will soften if you pour some liquid on it'

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.