escalate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈɛskəˌleɪt/
KK: /ˈɛskəˌleɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To increase or become more intense, especially in a situation or conflict.
Example
The argument began to escalate into a full-blown fight.
Tense Forms
Past: escalated
Past Participle: escalated
Conversation
Did you hear about the argument between those two?
Yeah, I heard it really started to escalate.
I hope they can resolve it before it gets worse.
Me too, it's always uncomfortable when things escalate like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
intensify
heighten
amplify
Antonyms
decrease
diminish
reduce
transitive verb
Definition
To make something increase or become more intense, often in a way that is difficult to control.
Example
The company decided to escalate the marketing campaign to reach more customers.
Tense Forms
Past: escalated
Past Participle: escalated
Conversation
Did you hear about the argument between those two teams?
Yeah, it was getting pretty heated.
I hope it doesn’t escalate into something worse.
Root Explanation
Escalate is formed from "escalade" (from French, meaning to scale or climb) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating to make or to cause). The word "escalate" means to make something climb or increase, often referring to a situation becoming more intense or serious.
Memory Tip
Imagine a situation that is 'climbing' or 'increasing' in intensity — that's what escalate means.
Visually Confused Words
excalate
sclate
sclater
scalare
scalage
saltate
reslate
exalate