De-escalation is a term that refers to the reduction of tension or conflict in a situation. However, there are several antonyms for this word, which means the opposite or the negative of the term. Some antonyms for de-escalation are escalation, intensification, aggravation, exacerbation, and promotion. Escalation refers to the increase or the intensification of tension or conflict. Intensification denotes the strengthening or the heightening of a situation. Aggravation means to worsen or to make a situation more difficult to deal with. Exacerbation refers to the worsening or the deterioration of a state or condition. Lastly, promotion is the act of pushing for the advancement or the increase of a process or a situation.