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.
While the possibility remains that hostilities could flare up again in the Persian Gulf, Haefele is adamant that gradual de-escalation is ongoing, citing President President Trump’s assertion that a cease fire is still in effect.
From MarketWatch • May 8, 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 police officers face split-second decisions that could mean the difference between de-escalation or things getting dangerously out of control.
From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026
SAP reiterated its 2026 cloud revenue outlook of €25.8 billion to €26.2 billion, contingent on Middle East de-escalation and Reltio consolidation.
From Barron's • Apr. 23, 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.
