escalate
verb (used with or without object)
to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc..
is escalating
-
present progressiveof escalate (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate 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.
“Iran is escalating because they don’t see other options,” said Marc Sievers, a former U.S. ambassador to Oman, which sits across the Strait of Hormuz.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
The Bulletin would argue that the threat is escalating, right?
From Salon ● Jun. 15, 2026
Lululemon founder Chip Wilson, owning 9% of shares, is escalating his proxy fight to replace three board members.
From Barron's ● Feb. 27, 2026
For some people, control means retaining a sense of normalcy, especially when panic buying is escalating all around them — partly due to what psychologists refer to as a “herd mentality.”
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 25, 2026
Out on the waves, where freedom of navigation is a golden rule, the ability and appetite of coastal countries to intervene is limited, even though the risk they face is escalating.
From BBC ● Nov. 18, 2025
