Escalation
A process of conflict intensification usually referring to a social setting. If left unchecked, it may lead to mutually destructive or violent behaviour. Accordingly, de-escalation is a process of conflict mitigation usually referring to a social setting.
See also: Conflict, Conflict transformation, Radicalisation
Importantly, conflict transformation regards de-escalation as possible in all settings. However, de-escalation rarely just mirrors escalation in return, as loss of trust often needs careful repairing.