escalate
verb (used with or without object)
to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc..
have escalated
-
present perfectof escalate.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.
Concerns about AI safety have escalated in recent weeks, with workers at major AI developers resigning over concerns about the dangers posed by the technology.
From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026
Military hostilities in the Middle East have escalated and investors have become particularly concerned about attacks expanding to the Red Sea.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
It comes as tensions have escalated between Washington and Iran, bringing traffic almost to a halt in the Strait of Hormuz and raising the risks of oil supply shortages once again.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026
It was later confirmed by Valverde himself and the situation is understood to have escalated on Thursday at Real's training base.
From BBC ● May 8, 2026
Mark’s bad feelings about it all have escalated exponentially upon the news.
From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner
