escalate

American  

[es-kuh-leyt] / ˈɛs kəˌleɪt /

verb (used with or without object)

escalated, escalating

1. to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc..

   to escalate a war; a time when prices escalate.

   Synonyms:

   swell, mount, advance

   Antonyms:

   fall, decrease, lower

2. to raise, lower, rise, or descend on or as if on an escalator.

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escalate British  

/ ˈɛskəˌleɪt /

verb

1. to increase or be increased in extent, intensity, or magnitude

   to escalate a war

   prices escalated because of inflation

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Pronunciation

See percolate.

Other Word Forms

• escalation noun
• escalatory adjective
• nonescalating adjective
• nonescalatory adjective
• reescalate verb
• reescalation noun

Etymology

Origin of escalate

First recorded in 1920–25; back formation from escalator

Example Sentences

His comments come as the war involving Iran continues to escalate, raising fears of a broader regional conflict and drawing political responses from leaders in the United States and beyond.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

“When hotels are used to house ICE or Border Patrol personnel, workers may be exposed to situations involving heavy armed federal presence, protests, and law-enforcement responses that can escalate rapidly,” the letter reads.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Such action would significantly escalate the conflict, which has already disrupted global energy supplies, pushing up prices and causing fuel shortages.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

It comes amid fears that Wednesday’s series of attacks on energy infrastructure could escalate, further disrupting the global supply of oil.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Ironically, the good times in between were what allowed it to drag out and escalate as far as it did.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

Related Words

• expand
• grow
• heighten
• intensify
• mount
• raise
• rise
• step up
• widen