escalate

[ˈɛskəleɪt]

escalate Definition

• 1. to become or make something greater, more serious, or more intense
• 2. to increase the intensity or magnitude of something

Using escalate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "escalate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The conflict between the two countries escalated into a full-scale war.

• Example

  The situation has escalated to the point where we need to involve the police.

• Example

  The company's financial problems have escalated in recent months.

• Example

  The argument escalated into a physical fight.

escalate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for escalate

• intensify
• heighten
• aggravate
• worsen
• amplify

Antonyms for escalate

• reduce
• lessen
• diminish
• de-escalate

Phrases with escalate

• escalate tensions

  to increase the level of hostility or disagreement between two or more parties

  Example

  The government's actions have escalated tensions between the two countries.

• escalate a situation

  to make a situation worse by increasing its intensity or severity

  Example

  The manager's aggressive behavior only served to escalate the situation.

• escalate a conflict

  to increase the level of hostility or violence in a conflict

  Example

  The rebels have escalated the conflict by attacking civilian targets.

Origins of escalate

from Latin 'scala', meaning 'ladder'

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Summary: escalate in Brief

The verb 'escalate' [ˈɛskəleɪt] means to increase the intensity, seriousness, or magnitude of something. It is often used to describe conflicts, tensions, or situations that become worse over time. Examples include 'The conflict between the two countries escalated into a full-scale war.' and 'The company's financial problems have escalated in recent months.' 'Escalate' can be formalized as 'intensify' or 'heighten,' or informally expressed as 'ramp up' or 'step up.'