escalate

[ es-kuh-leyt ]

verb (used with or without object)

, es·ca·lat·ed, es·ca·lat·ing.

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.

escalate

/ ˈɛskəˌleɪt /

verb

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

   prices escalated because of inflation

   to escalate a war

Pronunciation Note

See percolate.

Derived Forms

• ˌescaˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• esca·lation noun
• es·ca·la·to·ry [es, -k, uh, -l, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• non·esca·lating adjective
• non·esca·la·tory adjective
• re·esca·late verb reescalated reescalating
• rees·ca·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of escalate¹

First recorded in 1920–25; back formation from escalator

Word History and Origins

Origin of escalate¹

C20: back formation from escalator

Example Sentences

“Despite this, the police decided to escalate the situation by deploying a flash grenade, a violent and unnecessary act that led to the fatal shooting” of her big brother.

From Los Angeles Times

While they are not planning on leaving yet, she said, "if things escalate in a dramatic way or a dangerous way, maybe we will think about it".

From BBC

It was the escalating disdain in her voice.

From Salon

He accused Russia of escalating the war in Ukraine and spreading a "tsunami of misinformation".

From BBC

HTS and its allies said last Wednesday that they had launched an offensive to “deter aggression”, accusing the government and allied Iran-backed militias of escalating attacks on civilians in the north-west.

From BBC

Related Words

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