Definitions

1. noun

The act or process of increasing the level of conflict or tension, or a series of steps taken to increase the level of conflict or tension.

“The government’s response to the protests was seen as an escalation of the situation.”

2. noun

A rapid increase in the number of cases or incidents of a particular problem or condition.

“The hospital reported a sharp escalation of COVID-19 cases over the past week.”

3. noun

A step or stage in a process, especially one that involves an increase in intensity or complexity.

“The new policy was seen as an escalation of the company’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.”

4. verb

To increase the level of conflict or tension, or to take a series of steps to increase the level of conflict or tension.

“The company escalated the dispute by filing a lawsuit against its former employee.”

5. verb

To increase the level of intensity or complexity of something, or to take a series of steps to increase the level of intensity or complexity.

“The manager escalated the project by adding more resources and personnel.”