If one thing softens the damaging effect of another thing, it makes the effect less severe. 使减弱
noun [物质名词][油脂]软化;变软
Hard times continued to revive popular demands for regulating business and softening the harsh edges of laissez-faire capitalism. 艰难的时期继续恢复了人们对规范商业和缓和自由资本主义的尖锐的要求。
verb [vt. 及物动词]使……变柔软(soften 的 ing 形式)
She felt herself softening towards him. 她感觉自己对他逐渐温和起来。