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Escalate: meaning, definitions and examples

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escalate

[ ˈɛskəˌleɪt ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a conflict

To increase in intensity, scope, or seriousness, especially by stages; to make something more severe or intense.

Synonyms

aggravate, heighten, intensify, worsen

Examples of usage

The argument began to escalate when neither side would back down.
The protests escalated into violence as tensions rose.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a professional setting

To raise a matter to a higher level for consideration or action.

Synonyms

advance, elevate, promote

Examples of usage

I had to escalate the issue to my manager because it couldn't be resolved at my level.

Translations

Translations of the word "escalate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escalar

🇮🇳 बढ़ाना

🇩🇪 eskalieren

🇮🇩 meningkatkan

🇺🇦 ескалація

🇵🇱 eskalować

🇯🇵 エスカレートする

🇫🇷 intensifier

🇪🇸 escalar

🇹🇷 tırmandırmak

🇰🇷 확대하다

🇸🇦 تصعيد

🇨🇿 eskalovat

🇸🇰 eskalovať

🇨🇳 升级

🇸🇮 stopnjevati

🇮🇸 stigmagna

🇰🇿 эскалация

🇬🇪 ესკალაცია

🇦🇿 eskalasiya

🇲🇽 escalar

Word origin

The word 'escalate' originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the Latin word 'scala' meaning 'ladder'. It first appeared in English with the meaning 'to increase by stages' in the context of military operations. Over time, the usage of 'escalate' expanded to include a wide range of contexts, from conflicts to professional settings.