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.

“So what can you do to assist somebody, or de-escalate somebody, or get information from someone who suffers from a sensory disorder?”

From Los Angeles Times

Both sides are less likely to de-escalate this time round, noted Lin and Govella in their analysis.

From BBC

Meloni, however, believes her efforts to de-escalate the row were vital.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We continue to improve ChatGPT's training to recognise and respond to signs of distress, de-escalate conversations in sensitive moments, and guide people toward real-world support, working closely with mental health clinicians and experts," it added.

From BBC

"The AU has helped de-escalate political tensions and support dialogue before situations descend into violence," he said, citing the work done to prevent war between Sudan and South Sudan over the flashpoint region of Abyei.

From Barron's

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