escalate

Everyday

1. To become bigger, worse or more serious, as in «The argument escalated into a fight». tree →
2. To make something bigger or more serious. tree →
3. To pass a problem to a more senior person, as in «escalate a complaint». tree →

In the lessons

In citizenship, news and conflict lessons: wars and quarrels can escalate; good friends «de-escalate» by calming things down, listening and walking away. In everyday life prices «escalate» (rise fast). In safety lessons, if a problem escalates, tell a trusted adult. Phrase: «escalate into».

Examples

• The small argument escalated into a shouting match. tree →
• Prices escalated during the winter. tree →
• The teacher stepped in before things escalated. tree →
• The fighting between the two countries escalated. tree →
• If the problem escalates, tell an adult. tree →
• Let's calm down so this doesn't escalate. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Opposite: «de-escalate». Related to «escalator», the moving stairs that take you up.