transitive. To make more responsive or sympathetic; to make mentally or emotionally receptive. Now usually with to. Cf. to open up at phrasal verbs.

transitive. To make (a person) more sympathetic, gentle, lenient, or emotional.

figurative. transitive. To soften to sympathy or geniality; to break down coldness and reserve.

transitive. To make tender; to melt (the heart); to enervate; to weaken.

(un-, prefix2 affix 1d(c).)

(un-, prefix2 affix 1d(b).)

Non-physical senses. transitive (reflexive). To make oneself mentally or emotionally receptive to; to expose oneself to (also with for). Cf…