escalate
UK: ˈɛskəleɪt | US: ˈɛskəleɪt
vi. to increase or intensify in severity, degree, or scope
vt. to cause something to become more serious or widespread
escalate = escal<ladder> + ate<verb suffix>
- escal (from Latin scala "ladder") → metaphorically represents upward movement or progression.
- ate (verb-forming suffix) → indicates action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word escalate originates from the Latin scala (ladder), later adapted into Spanish/Italian as escala (a scale or step). The verb form emerged in the early 20th century, initially describing the use of escalators (mechanical ladders). By the 1950s, it gained its figurative sense of "rising progressively," particularly in military and conflict contexts (e.g., "escalate tensions"). The ladder imagery persists in its modern meaning of gradual intensification.
The conflict began to escalate after the border skirmish.
Companies often escalate prices during shortages.
Her anxiety escalated as the deadline approached.
The protest escalated into a full-scale riot.
Diplomats worked to prevent the crisis from escalating further.