SOFTENED UP Meaning and
Definition
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Softened up is a verb phrase that can be defined as the act of making someone more receptive, compliant, or vulnerable through various tactics or strategies. This term is often used in a figurative sense to describe the process of preparing someone, either psychologically or emotionally, for a particular purpose or outcome.
The phrase "softened up" typically implies the use of persuasive techniques, manipulation, or introduction of specific stimuli to weaken the resistance or defenses of an individual. This can involve employing charm, flattery, or emotional appeals to create a more compliant attitude. For example, before negotiating a business deal, one might attempt to soften up their counterpart by building a rapport, complimenting their ideas, or highlighting common interests.
In a military context, "softened up" can refer to weakening the enemy's defense, often through a series of attacks or bombardments, in order to make it easier to achieve victory or a successful invasion. Prior to a military assault, forces may engage in a series of air strikes or artillery bombardments to soften up the enemy, deplete their resources, or demoralize their troops.
Overall, "softened up" describes the process of preparing someone or something for a desired outcome, usually involving a reduction in resistance, defenses, or opposition.
Common Misspellings for SOFTENED UP
- aoftened up
- zoftened up
- xoftened up
- doftened up
- eoftened up
- woftened up
- siftened up
- skftened up
- slftened up
- spftened up
- s0ftened up
- s9ftened up
- sodtened up
- soctened up
- sovtened up
- sogtened up
- sottened up
- sortened up
Etymology of SOFTENED UP
The phrase "softened up" is derived from the verb "soften", which comes from the Old English word "softe" meaning "gentle" or "mild". The root word "soft" has its origins in Proto-Germanic "samftijaz" and ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European base "sam" meaning "thick". Over time, "soften" was figuratively used to describe the process of making something or someone less resistant, rigid, or strict. In this sense, "softened up" refers to the act of weakening or preparing someone or something by making them less resistant, likely in a psychological or emotional sense. The phrase is often used to describe an intentional action of making someone vulnerable or more amenable to influence or persuasion.
