verb Uncommon

escalate

EHS-kuh-layt

Escalate (verb) means to increase in intensity, size, or seriousness. Example: “Tensions between the two countries continued to escalate.”

verb

To increase in intensity, size, or seriousness.

"Tensions between the two countries continued to escalate."

"The argument escalated into a full-blown shouting match."

To pass a problem or issue on to someone with greater authority to handle it.

"If the support agent can't fix it, they'll escalate the ticket to a supervisor."

How to Use Escalate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo get bigger, worse, or more serious — or to pass a problem up to someone higher up.

Common pairings

escalate a conflict escalate the issue quickly escalate

Word Forms

escalated past tense, escalates singular

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Fill the Gap

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Tensions between the two countries continued to _____.

Etymology

A back-formation from "escalator" — the verb was invented from the noun, not the other way around, in the early 20th century.

· First attested 1900

Class of 1900 escalate joined the language around 1900.

addictive Alfredo Alyssa antsy applesauce

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Synonyms

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intensify step up

Related Words

promote promotion concentrate amp stoke accelerate mitigate intensify

Rhymes for escalate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “escalate” mean?

The word “escalate” means to increase in intensity, size, or seriousness. In plain terms, to get bigger, worse, or more serious — or to pass a problem up to someone higher up.

How do you pronounce “escalate”?

“Escalate” is pronounced EHS-kuh-layt (/ˈɛs.kə.leɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “escalate” in a sentence?

Here is “escalate” used in a sentence: “Tensions between the two countries continued to escalate.”

What part of speech is “escalate”?

“Escalate” is a verb.

Where does the word “escalate” come from?

The word “escalate” dates back to around 1900. A back-formation from "escalator" — the verb was invented from the noun, not the other way around, in the early 20th century.

Is “escalate” a common word?

“Escalate” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “escalate” have?

“Escalate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to increase in intensity, size, or seriousness.

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