escalate
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for escalate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To increase in intensity, size, or seriousness.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
intensify
step up
Antonyms
How to use escalate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
escalate a conflict
escalate the issue
quickly escalate
Etymology
A back-formation from "escalator" — the verb was invented from the noun, not the other way around, in the early 20th century.
Full origin of escalate →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.
