Ontharden

Ontharden is a Dutch verb meaning to reverse a hard state, i.e., to become less hard or to soften something. The term is used when an object or substance that has hardened—usually through cooling, drying, or aging—returns to a softer or less rigid condition. The prefix ont- signals reversal or removal.

Etymologically, ontharden is formed from ont- (a negating prefix) and harden (hardenen). It shares its basic semantic field with other Dutch verbs that describe weakening or undoing a prior hardening.

In everyday use, ontharden appears most often in contexts involving food and everyday materials. In cooking and food storage, it describes bringing a chilled or solid item back to a softer state, such as butter, chocolate, or cheese, by warming gently or allowing it to reach room temperature. In materials handling or manufacturing, it can refer to reducing a prior hardening effect in certain products, though the specific method depends on the material and application.

Metaphorical use is less common. When used figuratively, it can imply softening a previously strict stance or policy, but more typical Dutch terms for that sense are verzachten or milder maken. Related concepts include harder and verharden, which describe increasing hardness rather than reversing it.