escalation

Cultural  

1. An increase in the intensity or geographical scope of a war or diplomatic confrontation. For example, during the Korean War, some Americans urged escalation of the war through bombing of the People's Republic of China.

---

Explanation

An escalation is an increase or growth. When there's an escalation in tension between two countries, it means that things have become much more strained between them. An escalation in Christmas tree prices means that your holiday decor will be more expensive this year, and an escalation of violence in a particular country will probably keep you from traveling there until things calm down. When something gets bigger or more intense, there's an escalation. The word comes from the verb escalate, which in turn is a back-formation from escalator. The Latin root of all three words is scala, or "ladder."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

escalation

“We are in direct communication with members, encouraging them to review their policies, staffing, inspection practices, borrower communications, disbursement timelines and determination processes, and escalation procedures,” Gigliotti said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026

After taking a pause overnight, oil prices have been more volatile as investors digest the possibility of further escalation in the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 16, 2026

Treasury yields rose as fresh military escalation in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher, reigniting inflation concerns.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

Bitar, for his part, said that the risk of major fighting returning to Lebanon as a result of the regional escalation "is, of course, not negligible".

From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026

He acknowledged that this represented an escalation, but given Hamilton’s arrogant evasiveness, “more will now be required than would have been asked at first.”

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

• acceleration