escalate — to increase rapidly in intensity, extent, or magnitude
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to increase rapidly in intensity, extent, or magnitude
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈeskəleɪt/
Example Sentences
- My mom's nagging escalated when she found pizza boxes under my bed.
- The trade war between the two countries continued to escalate.
- Don't escalate this argument over who ate the last cookie.
escalate
VERB[/ˈeskəleɪt/]
to increase rapidly in intensity, extent, or magnitude
A minor argument over parking quickly escalates into a shouting match between neighbors.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the noun 'escalator,' which comes from Latin 'scala' meaning 'ladder' or 'staircase,' combined with the suffix '-ate' to form a verb. The escalator device was patented in the early 1900s, and 'escalate' was subsequently derived from it to mean 'to rise' or 'to increase.'
Breakdown
escal- (from Latin scala, ladder) + -ate (verb suffix) = escalate
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom's nagging escalated when she found pizza boxes under my bed.”
“The trade war between the two countries continued to escalate.”
“Don't escalate this argument over who ate the last cookie.”
“The protest escalated into violent clashes with police.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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