de-escalation
Americannoun
Explanation
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.
“Escalating tensions can weigh on gold through higher yields and a stronger dollar, while any credible path toward de-escalation or peace may ultimately support prices,” analysts at Saxo Bank said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
Equity markets have recently been driven by the positivity generated by the U.S. first-quarter reporting season, and expectations for a de-escalation of hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026
The official line softened into neutrality: calls for de-escalation, freedom of navigation, dialogue among “all parties.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
“Officers are highly trained in de-escalation tactics and regularly receive ongoing use of force training.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 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
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.
