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

The survey might have captured some early reactions to the conflict, but it doesn’t reflect any decisions farmers might have made in late March as tensions in the region escalated.

From Barron's

Earlier in March, the firm said reduced demand, "escalating" employment costs and "soaring" energy costs had "squeezed the business financially".

From BBC

“Whilst we appreciate the criminals’ exceptional taste, the fact remains that cargo theft is an escalating issue for businesses of all sizes,” the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The move comes amid concerns that escalating tensions could derail global growth, a backdrop that has triggered the largest two-day decline in U.S. equities in a year,” the bank added.

From Barron's

Signs of escalating tensions in the Middle East, rather than a quick ending to the conflict, were weighing on stocks and other assets.

From Barron's

Related Words

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