escalate
verb (used with or without object)
to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc..
has escalated
-
present perfectof escalate (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
A long-running dispute between cemeteries and bike-lane and safe streets advocates in the San Fernando Valley has escalated to become a campaign issue in the Los Angeles mayor’s race.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026
Colombia's internal armed conflict has lasted for decades, but it has escalated in the last few years.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026
On its previous earnings call, Micron shared that demand has escalated so rapidly that it’s unlikely that 2027 supply will improve.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 16, 2026
The industry fight over private listings has escalated in recent years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 20, 2026
The Confederate attempt to destroy supplies and arms to keep them out of the approaching Union army’s hands has escalated out of control.
From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly
