de-escalate
Americanverb (used with or without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of de-escalate
Explanation
When something de-escalates, it's turned down a notch, becoming quieter or calmer. If you want to de-escalate an argument between siblings you're babysitting, you might try giving them both a popsicle. In politics, de-escalating a situation can be a matter of life and death, as when mediators help de-escalate a conflict in order to avoid a war between two countries or groups. Whenever someone de-escalates an argument, they take something with potential to turn ugly or even violent and tone things down so that the issues can be calmly discussed. Police officers, diplomats, and elementary school teachers all need to learn to de-escalate intense situations.
Vocabulary lists containing de-escalate
This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for March 29–April 4, 2026
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Book Won't Burn
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
(S)Kin
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Earlier in the week, Kim, who had led a fact-finding tour inside the for-profit prison, had himself been pepper sprayed when he attempted to de-escalate tensions between the protestors and the federal immigration officers.
From Salon • May 30, 2026
I was just trying to de-escalate, and I’m like, “Chill—I’m not harming anybody, and I have two torn shoulders.”
From Slate • May 19, 2026
“The Riverside Sheriff’s Office takes each use of force very seriously and makes every effort to de-escalate these situations whenever possible,” Vickers said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
Pakistani officials say they remain hopeful both sides could agree to de-escalate and meet again.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
"Our overriding priority is to de-escalate this conflict, open up the Strait and prevent disruption to passengers."
From BBC • Apr. 21, 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.
