Escalates Meaning in English

word · lemma: escalate

US

UK

Definition

When something increases in intensity, seriousness, or grows quickly, especially in a negative way. Often used for conflicts, problems, or situations that get worse.

Usage & Nuances

More formal/neutral; common in news and discussions about conflicts, arguments, or crises ('the situation escalates'). Rarely used for positive growth. Often followed by 'into' when changing to a worse state ('escalates into a fight').

• Spanish: aumenta - intensifica - se agrava
• Portuguese (BR): aumenta - intensifica - agrava-se
• Portuguese (PT): aumenta - intensifica - agrava-se
• Chinese (Simplified): 升级 - 加剧 - 恶化
• Chinese (Traditional): 升級 - 加劇 - 惡化
• Hindi: बढ़ता है - बिगड़ता है
• Arabic: يتصاعد - يزداد سوءًا - يتفاقم
• Bengali: বাড়ে - তীব্রতর হয়
• Russian: обостряется - усиливается
• Japanese: 激化する - エスカレートする
• Vietnamese: leo thang - trở nên nghiêm trọng hơn
• Korean: 격화되다 - 악화되다
• Turkish: tırmanmak - şiddetlenmek
• Urdu: شدت اختیار کرنا - بڑھنا
• Indonesian: meningkat - memburuk

Example Sentences

What started as a small disagreement quickly escalates into a big fight.

natural

If nobody steps in, this could escalate out of control.

natural

Tension escalates whenever the two teams meet on the field.

natural

The argument escalates quickly between the two friends.

basic

If the problem escalates, call the manager.

basic

The situation often escalates when no one listens.

basic