de-escalation
Americannoun
-
de-escalations
plural
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
See Examples For:
These students say any effort by police to deter bullying or fights would be more effectively handled by counseling, fully staffed non-police adult supervision and staff trained in de-escalation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
It also noted she failed to use any de-escalation techniques.
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026
The kingdom needs to decide if it will seek de-escalation in hopes of ensuring quiet on its southern border or if its red lines have truly been crossed, necessitating a strong military response.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 20, 2026
A Wall Street indicator designed to flag potential U.S.-Iran de-escalation was flashing for the first time in months.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 17, 2026
The organisation said there were "ongoing discussions" to ensure a secure maritime route, adding that their outcome "depends on de-escalation in the region".
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
The comments were seen as a de-escalations of tensions that have pushed oil prices to their highest level in three months on the possibility of U.S. strikes against Iran.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 15, 2026
Lack of staffing and budget eliminates valuable patrols in known areas that prevent crime, and unfortunately eliminates time for community engagement that provides for insight and de-escalations.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 29, 2021
The scholars recommended continued prosecution of the war, though without escalation and possibly with experimental de-escalations to win broader support for it at home.
From Time Magazine Archive
There are essentially two approaches open to Nixon that could lead to a measurable disengagement from Viet Nam: a negotiated solution, or a seesaw of unilateral de-escalations, with each side presumably matching the other's withdrawals.
From Time Magazine Archive
"What are you prepared to do in response to our de-escalations?" asked Harriman.
From Time Magazine Archive
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
