escalatory

American  

[es-kuh-luh-tawr-ee] / ˈɛs kə ləˌtɔr i /

adjective

1. tending to escalate or increase by increments, especially in contexts of reciprocal aggression, hostility, or arms buildups.

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Example Sentences

Officials agreed that while the EU needed to be ready to retaliate if necessary, the bloc wouldn’t be the one to take escalatory steps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

"I'm not so hopeful that a technical mechanism will really address the fundamental drivers of this escalatory cycle," he admitted.

From Barron's • Oct. 25, 2025

"We urge Iran to refrain from any escalatory action," they said in a joint statement, adding: "The reimposition of UN sanctions is not the end of diplomacy."

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

The comments reflected North Korea’s escalatory nuclear doctrine, which authorizes the military to launch preemptive nuclear strikes against enemies if it perceives the leadership as under threat.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2024

Every rung on the escalatory ladder may be treated by one side or the other as the beginning or end of hostilities.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2024