de-escalate
verb (used with or without object)
to decrease in intensity, magnitude, etc..
was de-escalating
-
past progressiveof de-escalate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Crude prices were surging on Monday amid no signs that the Iran conflict was de-escalating and as some major oil producers were reportedly forced to cut production.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 9, 2026
