Definition of softens:
(v) :
(transitive) To make something soft or softer.
(v) :
(transitive) To make less harsh.
(v) :
(intransitive) To become soft or softer.
(v) :
(transitive) To undermine the morale of someone (often soften up).
(v) :
(ambitransitive, phonology) To become or make (a consonant) more lenis, to lenite.
(v) :
(Slavic phonology) To palatalize.