de-escalating
Reducing intensity of conflict
De-escalating means reducing the intensity or severity of a conflict, crisis, or tense situation.
The term appears most often in contexts involving confrontation—police de-escalating encounters with agitated individuals, diplomats de-escalating international tensions, or someone de-escalating an argument before it turns physical: The officer focused on de-escalating rather than using force.
The goal is to calm things down and prevent escalation.
Reducing distress or discomfort
- defusingNeutralizing an explosive device
- diffusingSpreading particles or light
- coolingLosing thermal energy
- settlingReaching resolution or rest
quieting · subduing · tempering · moderating · relaxing · reassuring · stabilizing · alleviating
Facilitating conflict resolution
- arbitratingFormally resolving a dispute
- compromisingExposing to harm or scandal
- dialoguingEngaging in discussion
- bargainingNegotiating mutually acceptable terms
discussing · intervening · facilitating · reconciling · brokering · peacemaking · conflict-resolution · ceasefire
Unresolved confrontation between opponents
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
- aggressionHostile or attacking behavior
hostility · volatility · provocation · retaliation · peacekeeping · intervention · containment · prevention
soothing
Reducing distress or discomfort
- defusingNeutralizing an explosive device
- diffusingSpreading particles or light
- coolingLosing thermal energy
settling · quieting · subduing · tempering · moderating · relaxing · reassuring · stabilizing · alleviating · easing
mediating
Facilitating conflict resolution
- arbitratingFormally resolving a dispute
- compromisingExposing to harm or scandal
- dialoguingEngaging in discussion
bargaining · discussing · intervening · facilitating · reconciling · brokering · peacemaking · conflict-resolution · ceasefire · rapprochement
standoff
Unresolved confrontation between opponents
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
aggression · hostility · volatility · provocation · retaliation · peacekeeping · intervention · containment · prevention · mitigation
- peacemakingnegotiation, mediation, peace agreement, mediate, pacifying
- alert levelsDEFCON, red alert, orange alert, yellow alert, elevated
de-escalatingescalating
Increasing by degrees
intensifying · ramping up · heightening · aggravating · worsening