de-escalate
verb
de-es·ca·late
(ˌ)dē-ˈe-skə-ˌlāt 
nonstandard -ˈe-skyə-
de-escalated; de-escalating; de-escalates
: limit sense 2b
de-escalate production
tried to de-escalate the tension
: to decrease in extent, volume, or scope
violence began to de-escalate
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
Programs that support global health, food security and disaster relief help to prevent and de-escalate crises while also advancing American interests by strengthening our international alliances.
—
U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
Use-of-force incidents escalate instead of de-escalate.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
The order will set up the Peacebook Working Group, in which 50 peacekeepers between the ages of 16 and 24 will be hired part-time to teach their peers how to resolve conflicts and de-escalate violence.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
When the woman turned toward the house to call police, Seth Tatum walked toward Mitchell, attempting to de-escalate the situation, James Tatum said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
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U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
Use-of-force incidents escalate instead of de-escalate.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
The order will set up the Peacebook Working Group, in which 50 peacekeepers between the ages of 16 and 24 will be hired part-time to teach their peers how to resolve conflicts and de-escalate violence.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
When the woman turned toward the house to call police, Seth Tatum walked toward Mitchell, attempting to de-escalate the situation, James Tatum said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de-escalate. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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