escalate

American  

[es-kuh-leyt] / ˈɛs kəˌleɪt /

verb (used with or without object)

escalated, escalating

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.

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escalate British  

/ ˈɛskəˌleɪt /

verb

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

   to escalate a war

   prices escalated because of inflation

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Pronunciation

See percolate.

Other Word Forms

• escalation noun
• escalatory adjective
• nonescalating adjective
• nonescalatory adjective
• reescalate verb
• reescalation noun

Etymology

Origin of escalate

First recorded in 1920–25; back formation from escalator

Explanation

If an argument between you and your brother progresses from mean looks to a fist fight, you could say that the tension between the two of you escalated. To escalate is intensify or increase quickly. When you see this word, picture an escalator that takes you up to the next floor quickly. But remember, there's something you don't like on that higher level because it's usually bad if something escalates. Prices escalate when something becomes scarce, be it a popular toy, a concert ticket, or food during a crisis. And if a war or conflict escalates, it becomes more intense and violent.

Example Sentences

On the same day that the Senate Banking Committee announced the date of his confirmation hearing, federal prosecutors sought to escalate the investigation that threatens to delay his appointment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

He said U.S. forces would interdict vessels and clear potential mines, while also signaling a readiness to escalate militarily if needed.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

But crude benchmarks were struggling for direction on Monday, suggesting investors were shrugging off fears that the conflict in the Middle East could escalate amid reports of a potential peace plan.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

The U.S. military buildup in the Mideast came as fighting continued to escalate in the Persian Gulf region on Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The terrible sounds he’d heard escalate for the last hour took on a high-pitched, mechanical squeal, like a robotic death yell.

From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner

Related Words

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