escalate
Translation
to escalate, to increase, to intensify
Examples
The conflict could escalate into a full-scale war.
The conflict could escalate into a full-scale war.
We must not escalate the situation.
We must not escalate the situation.
The costs have escalated rapidly.
The costs have escalated rapidly.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) escalates The costs have escalated rapidly.
to escalate ((sth.)) We must not escalate the situation.
((sth.)) escalates into ((sth. else)) The conflict could escalate into a full-scale war.
Similar Words
Synonyms: intensify, increase, worsen; Antonyms: de-escalate, decrease
Etymology
A back-formation from 'escalator'. The idea is of going up in steps, like on an escalator.
Memory Tips
Imagine a problem riding an 'escalator' upwards, becoming more intense or serious.