Another Word For Escalate
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Meaning
The word "escalate" means to increase or intensify in a gradual manner, often referring to a situation that becomes more severe or extreme. This term is commonly used in contexts where conflicts, prices, or issues grow larger or more serious over time.
Synonyms
- Intensify
- Increase
- Rise
- Grow
- Expand
- Worsen
Antonyms
- Decrease
- Diminish
- Subside
- Deflate
- Reduce
Etymology
The word "escalate" originates from the Latin word "scala," meaning "ladder." It transitioned through French as "escalader," which means "to climb," and started being used in English around the 1950s, initially in a military context.
Examples
- The negotiations began to escalate when both parties refused to compromise.
- If the prices continue to escalate, consumers may be forced to cut back on their spending.
- The argument escalated quickly, drawing in more people into the disagreement.
- We need to find a way to de-escalate the situation before it becomes unmanageable.