deescalates
Reduces the tension
Deescalates means to reduce the intensity or severity of a conflict, crisis, or tense situation.
The word implies deliberate action to calm things down before they worsen: The officer deescalated the confrontation by lowering his voice.
Often used in contexts of police training, diplomacy, or interpersonal conflict: She deescalated the argument by acknowledging his concerns.
Intervention to resolve conflict
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- conciliationResolving disputes through dialogue
arbitration · reconciliation · peacemaking · truce · compromise · détente · ceasefire · parley
Reducing distress or discomfort
- pacifyingCalming someone agitated
- defusingNeutralizing an explosive device
- cooling downGradual temperature reduction
- settlingReaching resolution or rest
quieting · reassuring · placating · mollifying · appeasing · tempering · softening · gentling
Becoming progressively less
- lesseningBecoming reduced in degree
- reducingMaking less or smaller
- loweringMoving something downward
- decreasingBecoming smaller or fewer
moderating · tapering · abating · subsiding · waning · mitigating · attenuating · downgrading
Neutralizing an explosive device
- relievingReducing discomfort or strain
- easingReducing strain or difficulty
- unwindingReleasing coiled tension
- cooling offGradual temperature reduction
calming down · standing down · backing away · withdrawing · retreating · disengaging · normalizing · stabilizing
mediation
Intervention to resolve conflict
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
conciliation · arbitration · reconciliation · peacemaking · truce · compromise · détente · ceasefire · parley · accord
soothing
Reducing distress or discomfort
- pacifyingCalming someone agitated
- defusingNeutralizing an explosive device
- cooling downGradual temperature reduction
settling · quieting · reassuring · placating · mollifying · appeasing · tempering · softening · gentling · easing
diminishing
Becoming progressively less
decreasing · moderating · tapering · abating · subsiding · waning · mitigating · attenuating · downgrading · scaling back
defusing
Neutralizing an explosive device
- relievingReducing discomfort or strain
- easingReducing strain or difficulty
- unwindingReleasing coiled tension
cooling off · calming down · standing down · backing away · withdrawing · retreating · disengaging · normalizing · stabilizing · neutralizing
deescalatesescalates
Increases in intensity
intensifies · heightens · aggravates · exacerbates · inflames