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.
Risk proxies should start the week firmer on U.S.-Iran de-escalation hopes, but FX markets may hesitate to chase gains as details around Iran’s nuclear program and uranium enrichment remain unclear, the bank says.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026
With yields already testing 4.6%-plus, futures pricing in later hikes, and a narrow window of de-escalation opening, Warsh has a rare opportunity.
From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026
But more and more, moms are openly discussing de-escalation strategies, with each other and online.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 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.
