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
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.
Following attempts to de-escalate the situation, the man shot at officers in front of the house and in a neighboring yard, when he was then fatally shot by an officer, Joseph said. Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 7 July 2025 The witness around 6 a.m. alerted a nearby Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer, who called for help and tried to de-escalate the situation. Maia Nehme july 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2025 Experts warned drivers to avoid engaging with aggressive motorists, and police emphasized the importance of staying in your vehicle and de-escalating when possible. Hannah Dreyfus, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025 Officers who take part in CIT training learn how to recognize and respond to people experiencing mental health crises by safely de-escalating the situation, guiding people to resources and services instead of jails whenever possible. Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/dictionary/de-escalate. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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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