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.

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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

On Monday it accused Iran of firing missiles and drones including a strike on an oil port in the emirate of Fujairah which is located outside the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "dangerous escalation".

From BBC • May 5, 2026

The Australian dollar fell against its U.S. counterpart on signs of escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

The fact that the market had been powering ahead under the assumption that the war would end soon made today’s escalation all the more worrisome for investors.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

“These attacks constitute a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable transgression,” said a statement from the UAE’s foreign ministry, adding that it “reserves its full and legitimate right to respond to these attacks.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

The escalation of military force was quite dramatic in cities throughout the United States.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Related Words

• acceleration