escalate

verb
UK: /ˈeskəleɪt/
US: /ˈeskəleɪt/

  1. To become or make something become greater, more serious, or more intense.

    1. The fight did escalate quickly after a few harsh words.
    2. We do not want to escalate the conflict; we seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

  2. To increase rapidly.

    1. The costs escalate every year for basic necessities.
    2. If prices continue to escalate, many people will be unable to afford essential goods.

Synonyms

increase expand heighten intensify rise worsen aggravate
escalate adjective

  1. Increased or intensified.

    1. The escalate tensions made everyone nervous.
    2. An escalate situation requires careful and calm assessment before any action.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "escalate" in English means: To become or make something become greater, more serious, or more intense., To increase rapidly..

The phonetic transcription of "escalate" is /ˈeskəleɪt/ in British English and /ˈeskəleɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "escalate": increase, expand, heighten, intensify, rise, worsen, aggravate.

Example usage of "escalate": "The fight did escalate quickly after a few harsh words.". More examples on the page.