Words / B2

ESK-uh-layt/ˈeskəleɪt/

To escalate is to become, or make something, more serious or intense: the dispute escalated; escalate the complaint (send it up). Increase is weaker and more general; intensify is close. A parking row escalated into a formal complaint. Noun: escalation. Do not use escalate for a tiny price rise unless you mean it became a crisis.

Meaning

To become, or make something, greater, more serious, or more intense.

Examples

• “A parking row escalated into a formal complaint to the trust.”
• “Please escalate the ticket to tier two, which is the helpdesk sense.”

Good to know

escalate into; escalate a complaint. Noun: escalation. Close: intensify. Weaker: increase. Opposite: de-escalate. IR, NHS complaints, and conflict reporting.

Near in meaning

intensify

New