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

But even before the escalation in the Middle East, Switzerland’s economy was growing below its long-term average of 1.8%.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

The statement concluded: "We urge tolerance and perspective to prevent any further, unthinkable escalation."

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Ramos, 55, who denies all the allegations, said that it is an escalation of a years-long attempt to silence his work that often criticizes Mexican forces who work closely with US allies on the border.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

“At the same time, markets have been reluctant to price a renewed escalation, despite Trump’s claim yesterday that the cease-fire is ‘on life support’ and further reports of military activity in the Strait of Hormuz.”

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

Not even Congress was aware that the president was considering another major escalation.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• acceleration