escalate

[ es-kuh-leyt ]

verb (used with or without object)

, es·ca·lat·ed, es·ca·lat·ing.

1. to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc.:

   to escalate a war; a time when prices escalate.

   Synonyms: swell, mount, advance

   Antonyms: fall, decrease, lower

2. to raise, lower, rise, or descend on or as if on an escalator.

escalate

/ ˈɛskəˌleɪt /

verb

1. to increase or be increased in extent, intensity, or magnitude

   prices escalated because of inflation

   to escalate a war

Pronunciation Note

See percolate.

Derived Forms

• ˌescaˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• esca·lation noun
• es·ca·la·to·ry [es, -k, uh, -l, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• non·esca·lating adjective
• non·esca·la·tory adjective
• re·esca·late verb reescalated reescalating
• rees·ca·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of escalate¹

First recorded in 1920–25; back formation from escalator

Word History and Origins

Origin of escalate¹

C20: back formation from escalator

Example Sentences

This week the Kremlin accused the “collective West” of escalating the war in Ukraine.

From BBC

"The government’s published intention to 'act as quickly as possible' will not be quick enough and we are already seeing the despair from some NLC members who are facing bankruptcy due to escalating service charges."

From BBC

It can take up to 24 hours for victims to start showing signs of illness which include: nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain which can escalate into hyperventilation and breathing problems.

From BBC

Casual and escalated into Saafir’s crew Hobo Junction taking on all of Hieroglyphics.

From Los Angeles Times

The US and UK had previously not given permission, with suggestions this was related to not wanting to escalate the war.

From BBC

Related Words

• expand
• grow
• heighten
• intensify
• mount
• raise
• rise
• step up
• widen