simple past tense and past participle of soften up

The removal of calcium and magnesium ions from water, or their replacement with sodium, either by chemical reaction or by ion exchange.

A device which reduces the calcium and magnesium concentration of hard water by passing it through an ion exchange resin.

(figuratively) To reduce the negative impact of something.

present participle of soften up

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of soften up

plural of water softener

To make softer. / (by extension, idiomatic) To appease someone in order to make them more receptive to an idea or proposal. / To become less committed to something.

plural of fabric softener

Any medication used to introduce water and/or fat to the contents of the patient's intestines, making those contents more likely to pass out in the feces.