Conflict Resolution Terminology

noun a temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement of the warring parties

• The two countries signed an armistice agreement to end the war.
• After months of fighting, they finally agreed to an armistice.
• The soldiers were relieved when they heard about the armistice.
• Sometimes it feels like there will never be an armistice between my heart and my mind.

noun a person's state of mind at a particular time, often seen in their behavior or reactions

• His bad temper often caused tension in the workplace.
• Don't talk to him when he's in a bad temper.
• She's got a real bad temper, watch out for her.
• His bad temper was like a storm brewing, ready to unleash its fury at any moment.

verb to change one's opinion or decision; to visit someone's home or location

adverb used to describe the manner in which someone changes their opinion or decision

• I hope you will eventually come around to my way of thinking after considering all the evidence.
• I know you didn't like the idea at first, but I'm sure you'll come around once you hear more about it.
• I didn't think she would ever come around, but she finally came to her senses.
• After months of disagreement, they were finally able to come around and find a compromise.

verb to stop someone from being angry or discontented; to reconcile

• In order to conciliate the two parties, a mediator was brought in to facilitate a compromise.
• I tried to conciliate with my friend after our disagreement by offering to buy them lunch.
• I had to conciliate with my parents about my late curfew by promising to do extra chores.
• The artist sought to conciliate the contrasting colors in her painting to create a harmonious composition.

verb present participle of conflict

adjective showing or feeling disagreement or opposition

• The two witnesses provided conflicting testimonies during the trial.
• I heard two different versions of the story from my friends, and they were conflicting.
• The news articles about the incident were totally conflicting, I don't know what to believe.
• Her heart and mind were in conflicting states, making it hard for her to make a decision.

noun a situation where two or more people or groups come together in a hostile manner, often to address a disagreement or conflict

• The two nations decided to engage in diplomatic talks to prevent a military confrontation.
• I heard there was a confrontation between the neighbors about the loud music last night.
• I'm not looking for a confrontation, I just want to talk things out.
• The protagonist's internal confrontation with his fears was beautifully portrayed in the novel.

noun a contrary or conflicting goal or aim

adjective involving conflicting or opposing intentions or goals

• The two departments were working at cross purposes, causing confusion in the project.
• They were both trying to do their own thing, so they ended up at cross purposes.
• They were totally not on the same page and working at cross purposes.
• Their relationship was strained because they were always at cross purposes.

verb to free or release from involvement or entanglement

• It is important to disinvolve oneself from any conflicts in the workplace.
• I decided to disinvolve myself from the drama going on between my friends.
• I'm just going to disinvolve from this whole situation, it's not worth my time.
• She needed to disinvolve her emotions from the decision-making process in order to think rationally.

noun the act of increasing rapidly in intensity or magnitude

verb to increase rapidly in intensity or magnitude

• The conflict between the two countries continues to escalate, with no sign of resolution in sight.
• Things are really starting to escalate between those two, it's getting pretty intense.
• The drama is escalating real quick, it's about to go down.
• As tensions rise, the situation is beginning to escalate like a wildfire spreading out of control.

noun the act of increasing or intensifying

• The escalation of tensions between the two countries is concerning.
• Things are really heating up between them, it's getting intense.
• The situation is getting out of hand, it's escalating quickly.
• The escalation of emotions in the room was palpable.

noun a noisy disturbance or quarrel

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• The fracas between the two political parties escalated into a full-blown conflict.
• There was a huge fracas at the concert last night when the fans started fighting.
• The fracas at the bar got out of hand and the bouncers had to step in.
• The fracas of emotions inside her head made it hard to think clearly.

noun a satisfactory compromise between two extremes

adjective being at a satisfactory level or state

• It is important to find a happy medium between work and personal life.
• I try to find a happy medium between saving money and treating myself.
• I like to find the sweet spot, the happy medium, you know what I mean?
• In relationships, it's all about finding the happy medium between giving space and being present.

adjective using force or authority in an insensitive or harsh way

• The court criticized the prosecutor for his heavy-handed approach during the trial.
• The teacher was heavy-handed with the students who were misbehaving.
• The coach is a bit heavy-handed when it comes to training us.
• The company's heavy-handed tactics in negotiations left a bad impression on their business partners.

noun a noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'impoliteness' is a noun that represents the quality of being rude or disrespectful.

• The impoliteness of his remarks during the meeting was quite shocking.
• Her impoliteness towards the waiter was uncalled for.
• I can't stand his constant impoliteness, it's so annoying.
• The impoliteness of the storm was evident in the way it destroyed everything in its path.

adjective causing annoyance, impatience, or displeasure

• The constant noise from the construction site next door is quite irritating.
• I find it really irritating when people chew with their mouths open.
• Her constant nagging is so irritating, I can't stand it.
• The way he always interrupts me is like a mosquito buzzing in my ear - irritating and hard to ignore.

verb to intervene in a dispute in order to bring about an agreement or reconciliation

• The mediator was able to successfully mediate the dispute between the two parties.
• I'll try to mediate the argument between my siblings before it gets out of hand.
• Let's get someone to mediate this drama before it blows up.
• Music has the power to mediate our emotions and bring us peace.

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating manner, time, place, or degree

• She meekly accepted the criticism and promised to improve.
• He meekly followed his boss's orders without question.
• She meekly went along with the plan, even though she didn't agree.
• The sun meekly peeked through the clouds after a long period of rain.

noun the area or point between two extremes or opposing viewpoints

adjective relating to or characteristic of a compromise or moderate position

• In order to reach a compromise, both parties must find a middle ground.
• Let's try to meet in the middle and find a middle ground that works for everyone.
• We need to find a sweet spot that's the middle ground for both of us.
• The middle ground between love and hate is often indifference.

verb to change one's position or location, especially in order to make space for someone or something else

• It is important to calmly and politely ask the person to move away from the restricted area.
• Hey, could you please move away from there? Thanks!
• Dude, you gotta bounce from this place, it's off-limits.
• Sometimes we need to emotionally detach and move away from toxic relationships for our own well-being.

verb to react more strongly or emotionally than is necessary or appropriate

• It is important not to overreact to minor setbacks in a professional setting.
• Hey, don't overreact to that small mistake, it's not a big deal.
• Chill out, dude, you're totally overreacting right now.
• She tends to overreact to any criticism, blowing it out of proportion.

noun a religious offering made to express gratitude or seek peace

• The diplomat presented a peace offering to end the conflict between the two countries.
• I brought a peace offering of cookies to my neighbor after our disagreement.
• I made a peace offering by offering to do my sibling's chores for a week.
• Her apology was like a peace offering, hoping to mend their broken relationship.

noun a person who brings about peace, especially by reconciling adversaries

adjective describing someone or something that promotes peace or reconciliation

• The diplomat acted as a peacemaker in the negotiations between the two warring countries.
• My friend always plays the peacemaker whenever our group gets into an argument.
• I'm known as the peacemaker in my family, always trying to keep the peace.
• The artist saw himself as a peacemaker, using his art to bring people together in harmony.

adjective showing a strong or forceful determination or desire to succeed

• She was known for her pushful attitude when it came to negotiating business deals.
• He can be a bit pushful when he really wants something.
• Don't be so pushful, just chill out and let things happen naturally.
• His pushful nature was like a bulldozer, plowing through any obstacles in his way.

noun violent, uncontrollable anger

verb to feel or express intense anger

• The public's rage over the government's decision was evident in the protests.
• She was filled with rage when she found out her phone was missing.
• I was so raging when I heard the news about the concert being canceled.
• The storm raged outside, matching the turmoil of emotions inside her.

noun a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury

• The employee harbored deep resentment towards his boss for passing him over for a promotion.
• She couldn't hide her resentment towards her friend for forgetting her birthday.
• I can't stand the resentment my roommate has been giving me lately.
• Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

verb to place in opposition or contrast

preposition used to indicate a comparison or contrast between two things

• The historical novel is set against the backdrop of World War II.
• The movie is set against a beautiful beach setting.
• The music video is set against a trippy background.
• Her success is set against the struggles she faced growing up.

noun a person or thing that subdues or conquers

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• The police were able to apprehend the criminal with the help of a skilled subduer.
• The bouncer at the club is known as the ultimate subduer when dealing with rowdy patrons.
• That MMA fighter is a real subduer in the ring, taking down opponents with ease.
• Her calming presence acted as a subduer in the midst of chaos, bringing peace to the situation.

adjective easily irritated or annoyed

• The professor was known to be tetchy when students interrupted his lectures.
• Don't be so tetchy, I was just asking a question.
• She's always so tetchy in the mornings before she's had her coffee.
• The atmosphere in the office was tetchy, with everyone on edge waiting for the boss's decision.

adjective not able to be appeased or satisfied

• Her unappeasable desire for perfection drove her to work long hours every day.
• His unappeasable hunger led him to raid the fridge at midnight.
• She's got an unappeasable craving for those new sneakers.
• The unappeasable storm raged on, refusing to calm down.

noun a departure or retreat

verb to leave or abandon a situation or place without explanation or permission

• The investor decided to walk away from the deal due to disagreements over the terms.
• I saw Sarah walkaway from the party early last night.
• Don't let them treat you like that, just walkaway and find better friends.
• Sometimes it's better to walkaway from a toxic relationship for your own well-being.

verb to make or become worse; deteriorate

• The patient's condition worsened after the surgery.
• Things have only gotten worse since you left.
• My grades have totally tanked, they've worsened big time.
• The political climate has worsened, casting a dark shadow over the country.

noun a person who opposes war or the use of military force

adjective expressing or opposing war or the use of military force

• The anti-war movement gained momentum during the 1960s.
• She's really passionate about the whole anti-war thing.
• I'm all about that anti-war vibe.
• His words were like a powerful anti-war anthem.

noun the action or process of attempting to establish peace in a conflict or post-conflict situation

• Peacebuilding efforts have been ongoing in the region for several years.
• They're working on peacebuilding stuff in the community.
• Peacebuilding is all about spreading good vibes and harmony.
• In the garden of humanity, peacebuilding is the seed that grows into a beautiful flower of unity.

adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb by indicating manner, time, place, or degree

• She spoke crossly to the employee who had made a mistake.
• He looked at me crossly when I accidentally bumped into him.
• My mom yelled at me crossly for coming home late.
• The dark clouds loomed crossly in the sky, threatening a storm.

noun a situation in which there are no winners and all parties involved suffer losses

adjective describing a situation in which there are no winners and all parties involved suffer losses

• The negotiation resulted in a lose-lose situation for both parties involved.
• It's a lose-lose situation no matter how you look at it.
• We're in a real lose-lose predicament here.
• Choosing between the two options felt like a lose-lose scenario.

noun a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

pronoun a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun, and in some languages extending to volume or numerical scope

• It is not productive to constantly point the blame at somebody when trying to solve a problem.
• Stop pointing the blame at somebody and take responsibility for your own actions.
• Quit trying to point the blame at somebody and own up to what you did.
• Instead of pointing the blame at somebody, try to understand the root cause of the issue.

noun a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality (boot, shoe, foot)

verb a word that expresses an action or a state of being (is)

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun (other)

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence (on)

article a word that is used to specify a noun (the)

• In this situation, the boot is on the other foot now.
• Now the shoe is on the other foot.
• Well, looks like the tables have turned and the boot is on the other foot.
• After years of being the underdog, now the shoe is on the other foot and we are dominating the competition.

adjective causing annoyance or difficulty

• The nettlesome issue of tax reform has been a topic of heated debate in parliament.
• Dealing with that nettlesome customer at work can be really frustrating.
• I can't stand that nettlesome neighbor who always plays loud music late at night.
• Her sharp words felt like nettlesome thorns piercing through my heart.

noun a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality

verb a word that expresses an action or state of being

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

pronoun a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse (e.g., I, you) or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse (e.g., she, it, this)

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

• It is important to put yourself in someone's shoes before making a decision.
• Hey, why don't you try to put yourself in their shoes for a moment?
• Dude, just imagine if you were in their shoes, how would you feel?
• Sometimes it's helpful to put yourself in someone else's shoes to understand their perspective.

noun Fortress mentality is a term used to describe a defensive or closed-off mindset or attitude, often characterized by a focus on protection and isolation.

• The company's leadership was criticized for fostering a fortress mentality that hindered collaboration with other departments.
• The team's fortress mentality made it difficult for new members to feel welcome.
• Their fortress mentality was so strong, they wouldn't let anyone new join their group.
• Living with a fortress mentality only serves to isolate oneself from potential opportunities and growth.

noun peace

• The protest turned into a breach of the peace when violence erupted.
• The party next door got out of hand and turned into a breach of the peace.
• Things got rowdy at the concert and it turned into a breach of the peace.
• The heated argument between the siblings was like a breach of the peace in the household.

verb to make something worse or more severe, to aggravate

• The lack of communication between departments is acerbating the efficiency of the project.
• His constant complaining is only acerbating the situation.
• Stop being so negative, you're just acerbating things.
• The constant rain is acerbating my mood, I need some sunshine.

noun a person who has been offended or insulted

• The affrontee was deeply offended by the disrespectful comments made by the speaker.
• She was the affrontee in the argument and felt hurt by the harsh words exchanged.
• The affrontee was not having any of the rude behavior and quickly shut it down.
• As the affrontee of the situation, she stood her ground and refused to be disrespected.

adjective causing offense or resentment

• His affrontive behavior towards his colleagues was not tolerated in the workplace.
• She always has an affrontive attitude when she doesn't get her way.
• Don't be so affrontive, dude. It's not cool.
• The dark clouds looming overhead seemed affrontive, as if nature itself was angry.