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

Iranian officials have vowed to keep the pressure on shipping through the strategic choke point, warning that the conflict could escalate if attacks on the country continue.

From Barron's

Over 40% of businesses’ AI agent projects will be canceled by the end of 2027 because of escalating costs, unclear business value or inadequate risk controls, according to market research and IT consulting firm Gartner.

From The Wall Street Journal

It came amid the wider context of escalating conflict following strikes by the United States and Israel on their homeland since 28 February.

From BBC

But farmers like Felix, who is based near the town of Humansdorp, accused the government of allowing the crisis to escalate until it had gone too far.

From Barron's

Oil prices were climbing as tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz—and despite the International Energy Agency confirming a record release of emergency oil reserves.

From Barron's

Related Words

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