de-escalate
verb
de-es·ca·late
(ˌ)dē-ˈe-skə-ˌlāt 
nonstandard -ˈe-skyə-
de-escalated; de-escalating; de-escalates
: limit sense 2b
de-escalate production
tried to de-escalate the tension
: to decrease in extent, volume, or scope
violence began to de-escalate
Synonyms
Examples of de-escalate in a Sentence
first, the mediator tried to de-escalate the tension in the room
the fighting de-escalated as the peace talks progressed
Recent Examples on the Web
In desperate 911 calls, workers describe gunman, deadly shootout at Broward Transit center
Whether a dangerous call ends with officers shooting or successfully de-escalating often depends on the responding officer’s disposition, said Philip Sweeting, retired Boca Raton Deputy Chief of Police.
—
Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Riley and Heat majority owner Micky Arison recently met with Butler's representation to talk out his grievances.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
As the dispute grew heated, the deli worker stepped between his feuding customers in an effort to de-escalate the fight, only for the suspect to spit in the victim’s face.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2025
The family of a 50-year-old man with mental health issues who was shot and killed by a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy at a Valencia mall last year is suing the department, alleging the deputy failed to de-escalate the situation and call for backup before the deadly shooting.
—Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
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Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Riley and Heat majority owner Micky Arison recently met with Butler's representation to talk out his grievances.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
As the dispute grew heated, the deli worker stepped between his feuding customers in an effort to de-escalate the fight, only for the suspect to spit in the victim’s face.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2025
The family of a 50-year-old man with mental health issues who was shot and killed by a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy at a Valencia mall last year is suing the department, alleging the deputy failed to de-escalate the situation and call for backup before the deadly shooting.
—Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for de-escalate
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Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de-escalate. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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