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
Synonyms of de-escalate

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

Synonyms of de-escalate

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If the child is older, simply bringing it to their attention is usually enough to de-escalate the situation. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026 Flight attendants who can’t de-escalate a difficult passenger. — Michelle Sobel, Fortune, 23 June 2026 Communications channels created to de-escalate any incidents are in place and technical talks are set to continue, the source added. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 29 June 2026 Maybe a mental-health professional might have lowered the danger level, de-escalating the situation. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 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

Rhymes for de-escalate

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Browse Nearby Words

deeryard
de-escalate
de-escalator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de-escalate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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