verb
- past tense of escalate; increased in intensity, extent, or severity
- past tense of escalate; moved up step by step, as on an escalator
Usage: less common
Examples
- The argument escalated into a shouting match.
- Tensions escalated between the two countries.
- The conflict escalated rapidly over the weekend.
- Prices escalated due to increased demand.
- The situation escalated beyond anyone’s control.
- The protest escalated when police arrived.
- Medical costs have escalated dramatically this year.