escalates (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɛskəleɪts/

Definition

Increases rapidly in intensity, magnitude, or seriousness.

Examples

• The border conflict escalates every time a new trade sanction is imposed.

• Management fears that the strike will escalate if their demands are not met by Friday.

• Minor technical glitches often escalate into system-wide failures if they are ignored.

How to Use escalates

escalate into (prepositional phrase)

to develop into a more serious state — "The protest escalated into a riot by midnight."

escalate the situation (collocation)

to make a conflict more intense — "His aggressive tone only served to escalate the situation."

Synonyms of escalates

Words with a similar meaning to escalates:

• grow
• increase
• intensify
• aggravate

Antonyms of escalates

Words with the opposite meaning to escalates:

• de-escalate
• diminish

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