escalate
verb (used with or without object)
to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc..
escalated
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past participleof escalate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof escalate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
escalateverb (used with or without object)to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc..
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.
Several domestic league games had to be postponed, including three fixtures last month as the situation escalated.
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026
The kingdom offered financial support to cover government employees’ salaries in San’a during several years of relative quiet, but fighting resumed this summer and quickly escalated.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 25, 2026
The situation has calmed in recent days, with only sporadic incidents in Tirana, but it escalated again on Saturday.
From Barron's ● Oct. 24, 2026
A promotion for the show “How to With John Wilson,” which he executive produced, escalated into a sketch about Fielder mentoring a group of influencers in a “TikTok Hype House,” even controlling what they eat.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026
Her voice had escalated right through shouting mode into a high, quiet dogs-only range.
From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon
