escalated Definition
- 1increased in intensity or severity
- 2to become or make something greater, more serious, or more extreme
Using escalated: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "escalated" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The conflict escalated into a full-blown war.
Example
The situation has escalated to the point where we need outside help.
Example
The cost of living has escalated in recent years.
Example
The argument escalated into a physical fight.
escalated Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for escalated
- intensified
- heightened
- aggravated
- amplified
- exacerbated
Idioms Using escalated
Example
If we can't reach a resolution soon, we may have to escalate the matter to our legal department.
Example
The police officer's use of force only served to escalate the situation and led to protests.
Example
The government's decision to use military force only served to escalate the conflict and led to more casualties.
Phrases with escalated
escalate tensions
to increase the level of hostility or disagreement between two or more parties
Example
The government's actions have only served to escalate tensions with neighboring countries.
Example
The manager's decision to fire an employee only escalated the situation and led to a strike.
Example
The two sides were unable to resolve their differences and the conflict escalated into violence.
Origins of escalated
from Latin 'scala', meaning 'ladder'
Summary: escalated in Brief
'Escalated' [ˈɛskəleɪtɪd] means increased in intensity or severity, or to become or make something greater, more serious, or more extreme. It is often used to describe conflicts, situations, or costs that have become more severe or intense, as in 'The conflict escalated into a full-blown war.' 'Escalated' can also be used in phrases like 'escalate tensions' and idioms like 'escalate the matter,' which imply making a problem or issue more serious or complicated.