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Definition escalate in British English

escalate verb

verb
/ˈeskəleɪt/
1

to become much worse or more serious, or to make something do this

Example

The tension escalated until it became unbearable.

Example

Rebel forces have escalated the fighting.

Example

Any one of these border disputes could escalate into war.

Synonyms and related words
Example

an effort to control escalating costs

Synonyms and related words
Definition escalate in British English