escalate
verb (used with or without object)
to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc..
had escalated
-
past perfectof escalate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Before the fight, tensions between the two had escalated.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2026
Jane said Al Fayed's behaviour had escalated, making her feel "more and more uncomfortable to the point where I was looking for excuses not to go into his office".
From BBC ● Apr. 14, 2026
The crisis had escalated beyond recovery and she felt it was the right thing to do, the insider added.
From BBC ● Nov. 25, 2025
Neither side directly responded to the allegations but both lamented that the acrimony had escalated to litigation.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 3, 2025
The energy in the harbor had escalated to a frenzy.
From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys
