de-escalate the situation
/diːˈɛskəleɪt ðə sɪtʃuˈeɪʃən/To reduce the intensity of a conflict or tense situation to prevent it from worsening.
The police officer used calming techniques to de-escalate the situation with the agitated individual.
The police officer used calming techniques to reduce the tension with the agitated individual.
Often used in conflict resolution, law enforcement, and workplace management.
To calm down a heated discussion or argument to prevent further disagreement.
The manager stepped in to de-escalate the situation between the two employees.
The manager intervened to calm down the argument between the two employees.
Common in workplace and social settings.
Collocations
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Usage in Professional Settings
This phrase is often used in formal contexts to describe conflict resolution strategies.
⚡Gold Rule
Context Matters
Use 'de-escalate' in situations where tension or conflict needs to be reduced, not eliminated.
📖Word Origin
Derived from 'escalate' (to increase in intensity) with the prefix 'de-' (to reverse or undo).
📝Usage Notes
Commonly used in professional settings such as law enforcement, conflict resolution, and workplace management.