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View synonyms for

escalate

[es-kuh-leyt]

verb (used with or without object)

escalated, escalating 
  1. to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc..

    to escalate a war; a time when prices escalate.

    Synonyms: , ,
    Antonyms: , ,
  2. to raise, lower, rise, or descend on or as if on an escalator.



escalate

/ ˈɛəˌɪ /

verb

  1. to increase or be increased in extent, intensity, or magnitude

    to escalate a war

    prices escalated because of inflation

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Pronunciation Note

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Other Word Forms

  • escalation noun
  • escalatory adjective
  • nonescalating adjective
  • nonescalatory adjective
  • reescalate verb
  • reescalation noun
  • ˌˈپDz noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of escalate1

First recorded in 1920–25; back formation from escalator
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Word History and Origins

Origin of escalate1

C20: back formation from escalator
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Iran subsequently launched retaliatory airstrikes with tensions proceeding to escalate between the two countries.

From

Other UN agencies and aid groups have escalated their criticism of the GHF project.

From

The G7 leaders, due to arrive in Canada on Sunday, know the global security and economic risks if this conflict escalates, dragging in other countries, sending oil prices soaring.

From

"If anything, it humanises the family a bit," he explains, but he cautions there could be a greater impact on their reputation if the feud escalates or more damaging rumours come to light.

From

In the Middle East, new missile exchanges between Iran and Israel are escalating regional tensions.

From

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