Escalate

Definition

Escalate means to increase or intensify, especially in terms of conflict, tension, or severity. It often refers to situations that grow more serious or severe over time.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛskəleɪt/
• Respelling: ES-kuh-layt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛskəleɪt/
• Respelling: ES-kuh-layt

The pronunciation of "escalate" is consistent in both American and British English, with emphasis on the first syllable.

Etymology

The word "escalate" is derived from the Latin word "scala," meaning "ladder" or "stairs." The term initially referred to climbing or ascending and later evolved to describe the process of increasing in intensity or magnitude.

Derivatives

• Escalation (noun)
• Escalating (adjective)
• Escalatory (adjective)
• De-escalate (verb)
• Escalator (noun)

Synonyms

• Intensify
• Increase
• Amplify

Antonyms

• Decrease
• Mitigate
• Alleviate

Usage

The word "escalate" is commonly used in contexts related to conflict, tension, or situations that become more intense or severe over time. It is often used in both formal and informal settings, particularly in discussions of social, political, and personal disputes.

Related Terms

• Proliferate: To increase rapidly in number; multiply.
• Exacerbate: To make a problem, situation, or negative feeling worse.
• Aggravate: To make a bad situation or condition worse.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To increase or intensify, especially in terms of conflict or severity: Refers to situations that become more serious or severe over time.
  • Example: "The argument quickly escalated into a full-blown confrontation."
• To raise or elevate something to a higher level: Refers to the act of taking something to a more intense or serious stage.
  • Example: "The company decided to escalate the issue to upper management."