Escalating
ˈeskəˌleɪtɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo increase rapidly, especially in intensity, size, or extent; to become or make something greater or more serious.
ˈeskəˌleɪt
To increase rapidly in intensity or severity
The tensions between the two countries are escalating.
💡 Simply: Imagine a snowball rolling down a hill. It starts small, but as it rolls, it gets bigger and bigger. Escalating is like that – a small problem gets bigger and bigger, maybe getting out of control!
👶 For kids: To get bigger or stronger quickly, like when a little fight turns into a big one.
More Examples
The price of gas is escalating rapidly.
The argument escalated into a shouting match.
The company is trying to prevent costs from escalating.
How It's Used
"The conflict threatens to escalate into a full-scale war."
"Costs are escalating due to increased demand."
"Their argument escalated quickly, becoming very heated."
Describing something that is becoming greater in size, intensity, or scope.
ˈeskəˌleɪtɪŋ
Increasing in intensity or severity
The escalating conflict caused many casualties.
💡 Simply: When something is escalating, it's like it's getting more and more of something—whether it's bigger, worse, or more frequent.
👶 For kids: Getting bigger or stronger, like a problem that gets worse.
More Examples
The company is facing escalating costs.
She is frustrated with the escalating bills.
How It's Used
"Escalating violence has forced many families to leave the area."
"The company has announced an escalating bonus system to attract new talent."
Idioms & expressions
escalate the situation
To make a problem or situation worse or more serious.
"The politician's inflammatory remarks only escalated the situation and made it more difficult to find a resolution."
de-escalate the situation
To reduce the intensity or severity of a problem or conflict.
"The diplomats worked tirelessly to de-escalate the situation and prevent a war."
From French 'escalader' (to scale), ultimately from Latin 'scala' (ladder). The word entered English in the mid-17th century, initially with a literal meaning of scaling walls. Its meaning broadened to include a gradual increase, particularly in the context of conflict, in the 20th century.
The word 'escalate' gained prominence in the mid-20th century, especially during the Cold War and the Vietnam War, to describe the expansion of military actions.
Memory tip
Think of climbing a ladder (escalator) – the situation becomes more elevated and potentially dangerous.