deconflict
Americanverb (used with object)
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Military.
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to avoid a potential clash or accident involving (nonenemy military operations, weaponry, etc.) in a particular combat area.
to deconflict coalition forces from three nations.
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to avoid such conflict in (a combat area).
to deconflict airspace.
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to adjust or coordinate so as to prevent or resolve conflict.
The witness never explained or deconflicted his earlier statements.
Usage
What does deconflict mean? Deconflict means to do something to avoid or remove the potential for conflict. Deconflict is especially used in a military context to refer to an action intended to avoid conflict between nonenemy forces in an area or to remove elements (such as weapons) that could lead to dangerous situations. It can also be used in everyday situations when there is disagreement or things are in opposition to each other. Example: We are in the process of deconflicting this zone by clearing it of all military personnel and equipment.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of deconflict
First recorded in 1970–75; de- ( def. ) + conflict ( def. )
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.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday that during talks with his Chinese counterpart, the two sides had agreed to reboot military-to-military links to "deconflict and deescalate".
From Barron's • Nov. 2, 2025
Officials noted that even as tensions with Russia have spiked over the war in Ukraine, military commanders have continued to use a telephone line to deconflict operations in Syria.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2023
Meanwhile a US State Department spokesperson said Mr Blinken highlighted the need for Washington and Ankara to "coordinate and deconflict" their activities.
From BBC • Oct. 6, 2023
A State Department spokesperson said Blinken highlighted the need for Washington and Ankara to "coordinate and deconflict" their activities on the call.
From Reuters • Oct. 6, 2023
But the Russians, he said, “don’t seem to be able to coordinate the use of them together, and deconflict them and ensure they aren’t shooting each other.”
From Washington Post • Mar. 11, 2022
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.
