English

escalate

ˈeskəˌleɪt, ˈes.kə.leɪt, ˈɛs.kə.leɪt
Meaning: to become or make something become greater or more serious
Part of Speech: Verb Alternative Readings: ˈes.kə.leɪt, ˈɛs.kə.leɪt

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Verb inflections

Form Inflected form
Base escalate
3rd person singular present escalates
Present participle escalating
Past escalated
Will future will escalate
Going-to future going to escalate
Imperative negative don't escalate / do not escalate

Example sentences

The small argument between the two neighbors quickly escalated into a physical fight.
The small argument between the two neighbors quickly escalated into a physical fight.
The trade war escalated with a series of tit-for-tat tariffs.
The trade war escalated with a series of tit-for-tat tariffs.

Usage Notes

Often used for situations that get worse, such as conflicts, costs, or problems. In technical support, it means to transfer a problem to a higher level of authority.

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