WordValeescalate
to increase rapidly
In more detail
1. (verb) to become or make something become greater in amount, seriousness, or intensity
2. (verb) to move up or climb, especially using an escalator
Examples
- 1. The conflict escalated when both sides refused to negotiate.
- 2. We escalated to the second floor on the escalator.
How to use escalate
Escalate typically means to make something more serious or intense, especially in conflict, crises, or disputes. It emphasizes a progression toward greater severity or involvement. The literal meaning of climbing or moving up via escalator is now archaic and rarely used in contemporary English; the figurative meaning dominates modern usage. It often carries a negative connotation when describing conflicts, though it can be neutral in business contexts (escalating a project).
Common phrases
- escalate the conflict
- escalate the situation
- escalate to violence
- escalate quickly
- escalate tensions
- escalate the dispute
Synonyms
intensify · increase · heighten · exacerbate · aggravate
Opposites
decrease · de-escalate · reduce
Word family
escalation (noun) · escalator (noun) · escalated (adjective) · escalating (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use escalate as a simple synonym for 'increase' in contexts where it doesn't fit; escalate specifically suggests progression toward something worse or more serious, not just any growth in quantity or degree.
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