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
Washington will likely push for diplomatic solutions, aiming to de-escalate the crisis and prevent further violence.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Wall Street was also heartened when the White House suggested the U.S.’s trade war with China might de-escalate.
—Julie Coleman, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
At the same time, there's rising optimism that the U.S. could de-escalate some of the tensions with China.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 23 Apr. 2025
Police said officers tried to de-escalate the situation, but Elias ran toward an officer while holding the knife.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Wall Street was also heartened when the White House suggested the U.S.’s trade war with China might de-escalate.
—Julie Coleman, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
At the same time, there's rising optimism that the U.S. could de-escalate some of the tensions with China.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 23 Apr. 2025
Police said officers tried to de-escalate the situation, but Elias ran toward an officer while holding the knife.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2025
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 1 May. 2025.
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