Gave in, softened (8)
I believe the answer is:
relented
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'gave in' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'softened' is the second definition.
('relent' can be a synonym of 'soften')
(Other definitions for relented that I've seen before include "thought better of it" , "Grew less severe" , "Gave in (to pleas?)" , "Give in (to pleas?)" , "Became less intense" .)