de-escalate

verb

de-es·​ca·​late (ˌ)dē-ˈe-skə-ˌlāt How to pronounce de-escalate (audio)
 nonstandard  -ˈe-skyə-
de-escalated; de-escalating; de-escalates

transitive verb

: limit sense 2b
de-escalate production
tried to de-escalate the tension

intransitive verb

: to decrease in extent, volume, or scope
violence began to de-escalate
de-escalation
(ˌ)dē-ˌe-skə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce de-escalate (audio)
 nonstandard  -ˌe-skyə-
noun
de-escalatory
(ˌ)dē-ˈe-skə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce de-escalate (audio)
 nonstandard  -ˈe-skyə-
adjective

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Empathy helps de-escalate tensions and enables a shift from argument or blame to real problem-solving. 3. Danny Ertel, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 In other examples, Nolan has helped de-escalate situations when people experienced mental health episodes in local coffee shops and churches. Ishita Chordia, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024 The specialists also provide support services and often respond to crime scenes, working to de-escalate tensions and derail retaliatory attacks. Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 19 Oct. 2024 Yet both Democratic and Republican administrations have proved that engagement works to de-escalate tensions and scale back North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. Christine Ahn, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for de-escalate 

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of de-escalate was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near de-escalate

Cite this Entry

“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de-escalate. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

de-escalate

verb
de-es·​ca·​late
(ˈ)dē-ˈes-kə-ˌlāt
: to decrease in extent, volume, or scope
de-escalate the war
de-escalation
(ˌ)dē-ˌes-kə-ˈlā-shən
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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