(escalates, escalating, escalated)
If a bad situation escalates or if someone or something escalates it, it becomes greater in size, seriousness, or intensity. (JOURNALISM)
Both unions and management fear the dispute could escalate...
The protests escalated into five days of rioting...
Defeat could cause one side or other to escalate the conflict.
VERB: V, V into n, V n
• escalation (escalations)
The threat of nuclear escalation remains.
...a sudden escalation of violence.
N-VAR