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

She described how the security forces' response to the unrest escalated rapidly on 8 January.

From BBC

Seeking a solution to this escalating dispute, 30 scientists from 20 research institutions across the world proposed a new framework on Tuesday for evaluating microplastic research.

From Barron's

Last year, it began making same-day deliveries of perishable goods — a service it plans to expand this year, escalating the threat to delivery apps and other retailers.

From MarketWatch

The escalating crisis in Minneapolis seems to have been the trigger for the state’s business leaders to issue their joint statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Of 10,679 complaints made against the airline, 81% were upheld in favour of customers after being escalated to an independent complaint body.

From BBC

Related Words

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