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
1
To increase in intensity, size, or seriousness.
"Tensions between the two countries continued to escalate."
"The argument escalated into a full-blown shouting match."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- escalates
- Past tense
- escalated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Class of 1900
escalate joined the language around 1900.
See the full Class of 1900 →
Synonyms
View more →
intensify
step up
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for escalate
See all rhymes for 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.
