🇰🇷Korean Source WordCode: KO

완화하다

Pronunciation / Transliteration: wanhwahada

🇬🇧 Direct English Meaning:
Deescalate/ˌdiːˈɛskəˌleɪt/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #4500 frequency
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🇰🇷 Example Sentence in Korean:

"경찰은 긴장된 상황을 완화하려고 노력했습니다."

Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To reduce the intensity of a conflict, tense situation, or potential crisis.

    "The trained mediator was able to deescalate the argument before it turned physical."
  2. 2

    To become less intense or severe over time.

    "Tensions began to deescalate once both parties agreed to a temporary ceasefire."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Formed in the mid-20th century as a back-formation from escalation, combining the prefix de- (meaning 'down' or 'away from') with escalate, which derives from escalator. Initially popularized in military contexts during the Vietnam War to describe the reduction of conflict intensity, its usage subsequently expanded into civilian, psychological, and interpersonal domains.

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