1. 变软：toughen up 使强壮 | soften up 变软 | bring up 抚育

2. 使软化：soften 使变柔软; 使变和蔼; 变柔和; 变弱 (动) | soften up 使软化 | softener 柔软剂 (名)

1. (求助于人之前)讨好，安抚
    If you soften someone up, you put them into a good mood before asking them to do something.

    e.g. If they''d treated you well it was just to soften you up.
           他们要是对你好，也不过是为了讨好你罢了。