escalate
/ˈɛs.kə.leɪt/
ƐS · kə · leɪt (3 syllables)
English
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Definition
To increase (something) in extent or intensity; to intensify or step up.
Etymology
Back-formation from escalator.
Example Sentences
- "Violence escalated during the election."
- "The shooting escalated the existing hostility."
- "A small fight escalated into a big fight."
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