Definition of soften up

The phrase "soften up" originates from military slang, specifically during World War II. It was commonly used by soldiers to describe the process of preparing a target for attack by weakening its defensive capabilities. This could involve a variety of tactics, such as bombarding the target with artillery, firing upon its defenses, or conducting psychological operations to demoralize the enemy. The goal was to make the target more vulnerable and easier to defeat in the subsequent assault. The term "soften up" implies that the enemy should be made softer or more pliable, like dough becoming soft when kneaded, hence allowing for easier penetration.