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
This is really just trying to roll back or de-escalate what had been escalated over the past year and a bit.
—
CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
The group emphasized its commitment to nonviolent action and urged demonstrators to de-escalate tensions with those who disagree with their values.
—Kiah Collier, Austin American Statesman, 24 Jan. 2026
Loon said de-escalating tensions is in the best interest of Minnesota’s business community.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 Jan. 2026
On the edge of the scrum, a counter-protester was trying to de-escalate.
—Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
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CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
The group emphasized its commitment to nonviolent action and urged demonstrators to de-escalate tensions with those who disagree with their values.
—Kiah Collier, Austin American Statesman, 24 Jan. 2026
Loon said de-escalating tensions is in the best interest of Minnesota’s business community.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 Jan. 2026
On the edge of the scrum, a counter-protester was trying to de-escalate.
—Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 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 29 Jan. 2026.
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