1. Increase in extent or intensity
   "The Allies escalated the bombing";
   - intensify, step up

1. Reduce the level, intensity, size or scope of
   "de-escalate a crisis";
   - step down
    
2. Diminish in size, scope, or intensity
   "The war of words between them de-escalated with time"

Derived forms: de-escalating, de-escalated, de-escalates

Type of: come down, decrease, dent, diminish, fall, go down, increase, lessen, minify, sink

Encyclopedia: Escalate