de-escalations
Cooling things down
De-escalations are acts of reducing the intensity or scope of a conflict, crisis, or tense situation.
The term appears most often in discussions of police tactics, diplomatic negotiations, and conflict resolution: The department's new training emphasizes de-escalations over use of force.
A de-escalation might involve lowering voices, creating physical distance, or stepping back from threats.
Formal discussion seeking agreement
- peace talksFormal conflict-resolution discussions
- ceasefiresNegotiated combat suspensions
- trucesAgreements to cease fighting
- treatiesFormal agreements between states
accords · summits · mediations · arbitrations · dialogues · détente · rapprochement · concessions
Inducing a settled state
- diffusingSpreading particles or light
- cooling offGradual temperature reduction
- stepping backMoving away backward
- apologiesExpressions of regret
reconciliations · truces · breathing room · timeouts · boundaries · active listening · empathy · validation
Intentional respiration patterns
- groundingConnecting to earth
- self-regulationManaging one's own behavior
- anger managementControlling hostile emotions
- impulse controlRegulating sudden urges
mindfulness · emotional regulation · stress reduction · coping strategies · crisis counseling · trauma-informed · stabilization · soothing
States of strained relations
- disputesClashes over differing positions
- standoffsUnresolved confrontations between opposing sides
- confrontationsDirect hostile encounters
- hostilitiesActive armed fighting
crises · clashes · altercations · disagreements · feuds · skirmishes · incidents · flare-ups
Act of taking away
- stand-downWithdrawal from combat readiness
- backing offCeasing to pursue
- disengagementWithdrawal from involvement
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
buffer zones · neutral zones · checkpoints · patrols · peacekeeping · crowd control · containment · perimeter
negotiations
Formal discussion seeking agreement
- peace talksFormal conflict-resolution discussions
- ceasefiresNegotiated combat suspensions
- trucesAgreements to cease fighting
treaties · accords · summits · mediations · arbitrations · dialogues · détente · rapprochement · concessions · compromises
calming
Inducing a settled state
- diffusingSpreading particles or light
- cooling offGradual temperature reduction
- stepping backMoving away backward
apologies · reconciliations · truces · breathing room · timeouts · boundaries · active listening · empathy · validation · mediation
breathing exercises
Intentional respiration patterns
- groundingConnecting to earth
- self-regulationManaging one's own behavior
- anger managementControlling hostile emotions
impulse control · mindfulness · emotional regulation · stress reduction · coping strategies · crisis counseling · trauma-informed · stabilization · soothing · reassurance
tensions
States of strained relations
- disputesClashes over differing positions
- standoffsUnresolved confrontations between opposing sides
- confrontationsDirect hostile encounters
hostilities · crises · clashes · altercations · disagreements · feuds · skirmishes · incidents · flare-ups · provocations
withdrawal
Act of taking away
- stand-downWithdrawal from combat readiness
- backing offCeasing to pursue
- disengagementWithdrawal from involvement
retreat · buffer zones · neutral zones · checkpoints · patrols · peacekeeping · crowd control · containment · perimeter · restraint
de-escalationsescalations
Increases in intensity
escalation · provocations · aggravations · intensifications · inflammations
de-escalationsescalations
Increases in intensity
provocations · aggressions · saber-rattling · brinkmanship · confrontations
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