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.
Officers established communication with the suspect to de-escalate the situation. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The lawsuit alleges a pattern of police brutality in Baltimore County and argues that Officer Derek Hadel should have done more to de-escalate the encounter. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Two regional officials said that the visit was part of Islamabad’s ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran, and urge both countries to return to the negotiating table. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 Of course, the word is used only in jest, as flight attendants are renowned for their unrivaled patience and innate ability to de-escalate even the most trying onboard situations. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for de-escalate

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 1 Sep. 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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