escalate

word

Definition

To become or make something become more serious, intense, or severe, especially a problem, conflict, or situation.

Usage & Nuances

Common in formal, news, and business contexts. Often used about conflicts, arguments, or costs: 'escalate a conflict', 'costs escalate'. Typical with 'quickly', 'further', or passive ('the situation escalated'). Less often used for physical actions; more about intensity or severity increasing.

Spanish: escalar - intensificarse - agravar(se)Portuguese (BR): escalar - intensificar - agravarPortuguese (PT): escalar - intensificar - agravarChinese (Simplified): 升级 - 加剧Chinese (Traditional): 升級 - 加劇Hindi: बढ़ना - तेज़ होनाArabic: يتصاعد - يتفاقم

Example Sentences

If you yell, the argument may escalate.

basic

Costs can escalate quickly in big projects.

basic

Please tell a manager if the problem escalates.

basic

The situation can easily escalate out of control if no one intervenes.

natural

I don't want this to escalate into something bigger.

natural

When tensions escalate, it's best to take a break and cool down.

natural