Wiktionary
vb. (en-past of: soften up)
Usage examples of "softened up".
Most women could be softened up with an appreciative look and a compliment.
He had hinted at this before, that he kept our territory clean of others, but he wouldn't elaborate, and now he seemed softened up with unhappiness and willing to talk.
With the Council softened up by years of cautious propaganda, they were in a position to ask and receive a Mandate over the scattered planetoids.
He softened up a bit and no longer seemed as jumpy around the legendary ranger.
I remember how her face softened up, and how it made her almost pretty again.
It might serve as a sort of psychological wedge a little later on, once we get them softened up a bit.
Ajax is now thoroughly softened up and has played the scene as an utter puppet in the hands of Ulysses.
Just when Heaven had her all softened up, Bonnie would come in for the kill.
Jerry softened up and withdrew his aching misshapen finger, then quickly re-formed it to its original shape.