escalate
verb (used with or without object)
to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc..
have been escalating
-
present perfect progressiveof escalate.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Tensions between the Colombian president and President Trump have been escalating in recent weeks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2025
Reports say tensions between both countries have been escalating over the issue of separate citizenship, with leaders on both sides holding a series of talks in recent months.
From BBC ● Dec. 23, 2024
Fain, a 54-year-old electrician who came out of a Chrysler factory in Kokomo, Indiana, is among several labor leaders across the economy who have been escalating their demands and flexing their muscles.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 4, 2023
Woodward said he’s documented a number of similar episodes and believes they have been escalating in ferocity since mid-June.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2023
As borrowing costs for would-be home buyers rise, more people are forgoing their homeownership dreams — and further driving up rental prices that have been escalating since the pandemic began.
From New York Times ● Jul. 12, 2022
