What term refers to actions intended to reduce the severity or harmfulness of a situation?

The term that refers to actions intended to reduce the severity or harmfulness of a situation is "mitigation." Mitigation involves implementing strategies or measures that aim to lessen the impact or severity of a potentially harmful situation, whether it’s a physical altercation, a crisis, or a broader emergency context. This approach is crucial in various fields, including law enforcement, where the goal is often to de-escalate tense situations and prevent further harm to individuals involved or nearby.

In contrast, terms like de-escalation specifically focus on reducing tensions in confrontations, while physical force pertains to the application of physical power. Legitimate purposes may relate to justifications for actions taken but do not inherently imply reducing harm. Thus, mitigation serves as the overarching concept for actions that aim to lessen negative outcomes.