Soften vs Malaxate - What's the difference?

As verbs the difference between soften and malaxate

is that soften is to make something soft or softer while malaxate is to soften, especially by kneading with the hands.

(en verb)

To make something soft or softer.

Soften the butter before beating in the sugar.

To undermine the morale of someone (often soften up ).

Before the invasion, we softened up the enemy with the artillery.

To make less harsh

Having second thoughts, I softened my criticism.

* '>citation

To become soft or softer

The butter softened as it warmed up.

(malaxat)

To soften, especially by kneading with the hands.

*malax