escalate
verb (used with or without object)
to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc..
escalates
-
present tense formof escalate (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
Attempts at diplomacy have floundered as fighting escalates on several fronts across Africa's third-largest country.
From Barron's ● Sep. 11, 2026
Meta settles teen safety suit, the U.S.-Canada trade war escalates, and Scott Bessent messes around in the markets again.
From Slate ● Aug. 29, 2026
PlayOn Sports will pay $810,000 in the first year that also escalates 3% each year of the contract.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
Responding to the figures, the MOJ said "public protection is our priority" and the statistics "show that we do not hesitate to recall offenders to prison when the risk escalates."
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
“Doesn’t my opinion matter?” he asks one evening, before the conversation escalates to door slamming.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
