V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary
escalate
verb
Definition: 1. to grow or increase; 2. to cause something to increase in intensity, magnitude, or scope; 3. to make or become more serious
Synonyms: amplify, expand, intensify, magnify, worsen
Antonyms: decrease, diminish, lessen, shrink
Tips: Escalate was formulated in the early 20th century, from the word escalator. It originally meant, “to travel on an escalator.” From this connotation of "rising," we use the word today to denote any rising or increase in something. Escalate is generally used in the context of an increasing problem. Think, "Our problems are escalating (increasing.)" Escalate is a good word to denote an increase or a worsening of a negative condition.
Usage Examples:
Our organizational problems are escalating, and we need to hire a few good, top-level managers to straighten out our company. (intensifying, worsening)
She doesn't seem to understand the cause and effect between her poor choices and the fact that her difficulties can escalate exponentially. (magnify, amplify)
Let's not let this mishap get out in the public and escalate into a PR nightmare. (intensify, worsen)
The United Nations feared the conflict would escalate into an all-out war. (intensify, magnify)
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