Escalate
Definition
Escalate means to increase or intensify something, usually in a rapid or dramatic way. It’s like when a situation or conflict starts small, but then it quickly gets bigger or more serious. In a different context, escalation can also refer to a process where something gradually becomes more intense or severe over time. For instance, if you have a small leak in your house, but you ignore it, the problem can escalate into a major flood if you don’t take care of it. Escalate can apply to various situations, like conflicts, problems, tensions, or even emotions.
Example sentences
The argument between the two friends began to escalate when they started yelling at each other.
The conflict between the two countries has the potential to escalate into a full-scale war.
The tension in the room escalated as more people joined the heated discussion.
The company’s financial troubles continued to escalate, leading to layoffs and budget cuts.
The price of the stock started to escalate rapidly, attracting the attention of investors.