Escalation
ˌeskəˈleɪʃən
Definitions
A process of increasing in intensity or seriousness; a rapid increase in something.
ˌeskəˈleɪʃən
A rapid increase or intensification, often of a conflict or problem.
The escalation of tensions between the countries led to a global crisis.
💡 Simply: Think of a snowball rolling downhill. As it goes, it picks up more snow, getting bigger and bigger. Escalation is like that, but it's a situation getting bigger and more serious, like an argument or a war.
👶 For kids: When something gets bigger and more serious, like a problem that's getting worse.
More Examples
The company is trying to prevent the escalation of costs.
His aggressive behavior led to an escalation of the argument.
How It's Used
"The threat of escalation loomed as both sides mobilized troops."
"An escalation in prices threatened the company's profitability."
"There was a fear of escalation of the crisis between the two nations."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
escalation clause
A clause in a contract that allows for an increase in price or other terms under specified conditions.
"The contract includes an escalation clause to account for rising material costs."
cost escalation
An increase in the expenses or costs associated with a project or endeavor.
"The construction project was plagued by cost escalation due to material shortages."
From French *escalation*, from *escaler* 'to scale' (a rampart), from Latin *scala* 'ladder'. The word gained prominence in the context of the Vietnam War, describing the gradual increase of military involvement.
The term's modern usage gained traction during the Cold War and the Vietnam War to describe the progressive expansion of military conflicts.
Memory tip
Imagine a ladder (scala) being climbed rapidly, each step increasing the height of the situation.
Word Origin
"To scale (as in a ladder), to increase"