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
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
The public security officer did not intervene or attempt to de-escalate the situation.
—
Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Despite Russia's denials that conscripts are sent to the front lines, Ukrainian officials argue that the conscription drive shows Russia intends to escalate, not de-escalate, the conflict.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Behind the scenes: Some members of the correspondents' association (WHCA) have been looking for ways to de-escalate.
—Mike Allen, Axios, 30 Mar. 2025
Authorities used drones and loudspeakers in an effort to de-escalate the situation and later made phone contact with the man.
—Marcus D. Smith, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
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Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Despite Russia's denials that conscripts are sent to the front lines, Ukrainian officials argue that the conscription drive shows Russia intends to escalate, not de-escalate, the conflict.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Behind the scenes: Some members of the correspondents' association (WHCA) have been looking for ways to de-escalate.
—Mike Allen, Axios, 30 Mar. 2025
Authorities used drones and loudspeakers in an effort to de-escalate the situation and later made phone contact with the man.
—Marcus D. Smith, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de-escalate. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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