De-escalation is when you try to make a situation less heated or dangerous. It usually happens when someone is getting very angry or upset. When someone is de-escalating, they might try to talk in a calm voice and listen to what the other person has to say. They might also try to do things to help the other person relax, like taking deep breaths, using a gentle touch, or offering a hug. De-escalation helps because it keeps things from getting out of control and helps build understanding between people.