Softening

verb

1. To make something soft or softer.

   "Soften the butter before beating in the sugar."

2. To undermine the morale of someone (often soften up).

   "Before the invasion, we softened up the enemy with the artillery."

3. To make less harsh

   "Having second thoughts, I softened my criticism."

4. To become soft or softer

   "The butter softened as it warmed up."