de-escalation
Americannoun
plural
de-escalationsExplanation
When a potentially violent situation becomes less intense, reducing the likelihood of a conflict, that's de-escalation. Instead of another loud argument with your brother, you might aim for de-escalation. De-escalation is a technique that's used by a wide variety of people, from police officers to company managers to elementary school teachers to leaders of countries. Turning down the intensity of a disagreement, ideally getting people to discuss their issues instead of shoving each other (or starting a war) is what de-escalation is all about. The word comes from the prefix de-, "the opposite of," and escalate, or "raise," from a Latin root meaning "to climb."
Vocabulary lists containing de-escalation
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Officers are highly trained in de-escalation tactics and regularly receive ongoing use of force training.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
The agreement marks a de-escalation between two of the world’s most storied gun makers.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026
"The market firmly bought into Wednesday's solid earnings story from the hyperscalers, with risk appetite also backstopped by the broader path on the geopolitical front continuing to lead towards de-escalation," said Pepperstone's Michael Brown.
From Barron's • May 1, 2026
The police officers face split-second decisions that could mean the difference between de-escalation or things getting dangerously out of control.
From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026
The sudden reversal comes as diplomatic efforts involving the United States, regional mediators and Iranian officials remain in flux, with talks shifting in structure and location as officials attempt to sustain fragile momentum toward de-escalation.
From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
