Synonyms

de-escalate

American

[dee-es-kuh-leyt] / diˈɛs kəˌleɪt /

Or deescalate

verb (used with or without object)

de-escalated, de-escalating

to decrease in intensity, magnitude, etc..

to de-escalate a war.

de-escalate British

/ diːˈɛskəˌleɪt /

verb

to reduce the level or intensity of (a crisis, etc)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

de-escalation noun
de-escalatory adjective
deescalation noun
deescalatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of de-escalate

First recorded in 1960–65; de- + escalate

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.

“But also, I just wish people would calm down ... try to talk to us, try to engage with us and help de-escalate the situation, instead of making it worse.”

From Los Angeles Times

It has sent a special envoy and pledged to play a "constructive role in de-escalating tensions".

From Barron's

Gold edged higher on signs of de-escalating Middle East tensions that could lead to lower oil prices and alleviate concerns over central banks’ rate increases.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The conflict involving Iran shows little sign of de-escalating,” StoneX’s Matt Simpson said in commentary.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even so, there are signs that both sides are looking to de-escalate—at least partially.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023