de-escalate

or de·es·ca·late

[ dee-es-kuh-leyt ]

verb (used with or without object)

, de-es·ca·lat·ed, de-es·ca·lat·ing.

1. to decrease in intensity, magnitude, etc.:

   to de-escalate a war.

de-escalate

/ diːˈɛskəˌleɪt /

verb

1. to reduce the level or intensity of (a crisis, etc)

Derived Forms

• de-ˌescaˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• de-esca·lation de·esca·lation noun
• de-es·ca·la·to·ry de·es·ca·la·to·ry [dee-, es, -k, uh, -l, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of de-escalate¹

First recorded in 1960–65; de- + escalate

Example Sentences

Last year, that status was de-escalated by HIW who said the quality of care was getting better, though more improvement was needed.

From BBC

This is followed by a seven-week training programme, during which trainees are taught how to look after people in custody and de-escalate challenging situations.

From BBC

Bregy said staff consistently monitored the “spirited demonstrations” this week and “acted swiftly to de-escalate when expressions crossed into disruption.”

From Los Angeles Times

There were efforts to de-escalate the trade dispute, but the Covid pandemic wiped out this possibility, and relations got worse as the former president labelled Covid a “Chinese virus”.

From BBC

But Washington’s aim, he added, is “to accelerate diplomacy and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East region.”

From BBC

Related Words

• abate
• curtail
• decrease
• dilute
• diminish
• dwindle
• ease
• erode
• impair
• lighten
• minimize
• mitigate
• narrow
• shrink
• slacken
• taper off
• weaken