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escalatory

American  
[es-kuh-luh-tawr-ee] / ˈɛs kə ləˌtɔr i /

adjective

  1. tending to escalate or increase by increments, especially in contexts of reciprocal aggression, hostility, or arms buildups.


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.

“So even though the Strait of Hormuz wouldn’t return to normal in that scenario, markets still took the report positively, because it raised the perceived probability that the conflict might soon end, avoiding the more escalatory scenarios like further damage to energy infrastructure,” Jim Reid, global head of macro research and thematic strategy, wrote in a note on Tuesday.

From MarketWatch

Iran’s rulers had approached previous conflicts with the U.S. and Israel with measured responses aimed at avoiding escalatory spirals.

From The Wall Street Journal

That high-risk, escalatory strategy is aimed at deterring future attacks on a regime that feels its survival is in acute danger.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is also far more escalatory.

From Barron's

“They want to maintain space up the escalatory ladder. They’re not going 100% immediately.”

From The Wall Street Journal