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.

A ceasefire has de-escalated the conflict with the Houthis in recent years and led to a freezing of the front lines.

From BBC

However often, "a few choice barks" or "a stern look from the big fella" is all it takes to de-escalate the situation, the senior officer added.

From BBC

If there's a "kernel of truth" in what they say, then acknowledging this can help "emotions de-escalate because they feel heard," Turner adds.

From BBC

While there have been serious exchanges of fire in the past, they de-escalated relatively quickly.

From BBC

Public pressure in both countries makes it harder for either side to de-escalate, increasing the risk of a public incident spreading into a broader confrontation.

From The Wall Street Journal

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