escalate
verb (used with or without object)
to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc..
are escalating
-
present progressiveof escalate.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We’ve examined how both countries are escalating long-range drone and missile strikes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
Home builders are escalating discounts and cutting prices on newly built homes, but it hasn’t been enough, as demand among buyers remains weak.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 18, 2025
He said state threats from Russia, China and Iran are escalating and MI5 had seen a 35% increase in the number of individuals it was investigating in the last year.
From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2025
While the pay TV universe is shrinking, media rights fees are escalating as deep-pocketed tech companies such as Amazon and Apple are vying for properties to add to their streaming services.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 2024
“I’m not turning you in. Don’t you see that by now? You need protection. Things are escalating in here. It’s not only me; I have—” Jake stops.
From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed
