escalates
Ramps up steadily
Escalates means increases in intensity, scope, or severity.
A disagreement escalates into a full argument; a local conflict escalates into war.
The word implies a step-by-step progression upward, like climbing stairs: Tensions escalated after the announcement.
Things can also be escalated deliberately—passing a problem to higher authority: The customer service rep escalated my complaint to a supervisor.
Increase in strength
- heightenIncrease in degree
- intensifyIncrease in degree
- magnifyIncrease perceived size
- exacerbateMake a situation worse
aggravate · worsen · compound · deepen · strengthen · accelerate · inflame · snowball
Persistent apprehensive distress
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
- hostilityAntagonistic disposition toward others
- strainExcessive stretching force
pressure · unease · apprehension · agitation · volatility · tinder-box · simmering · heated
Armed conflict between groups
- hostilitiesActive armed fighting
- combatArmed hostile engagement
- clashesViolent encounters or disagreements
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
aggression · violence · provocation · skirmish · altercation · dispute · feud · standoff
Decisive dangerous moment
- urgentNeeding immediate attention
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- evacuationRemoval from danger
- triageSeverity-based prioritization
disaster · 911 · mayday · SOS · catastrophe · critical · life-threatening · alert
amplify
Increase in strength
exacerbate · aggravate · worsen · compound · deepen · strengthen · accelerate · inflame · snowball · spiral
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
- hostilityAntagonistic disposition toward others
strain · pressure · unease · apprehension · agitation · volatility · tinder-box · simmering · heated · charged
warfare
Armed conflict between groups
- hostilitiesActive armed fighting
- combatArmed hostile engagement
- clashesViolent encounters or disagreements
confrontation · aggression · violence · provocation · skirmish · altercation · dispute · feud · standoff · retaliation
crisis
Decisive dangerous moment
- urgentNeeding immediate attention
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- evacuationRemoval from danger
triage · disaster · 911 · mayday · SOS · catastrophe · critical · life-threatening · alert · mobilization
supervisor
One who directs workers
- managementOrganizing and directing resources
- complaintExpression of discontent
- grievanceFormal claim of unfairness
appeal · review · ombudsman · corporate · headquarters · executive · ticket · priority · tier · resolution
escalatesde-escalates
Reduces intensity or hostility
defuses · calms · subsides · abates · diminishes
- de-escalation techniquesMethods to lower conflict intensity
- privilege escalationGaining unauthorized higher permissions
- rampant escalationUncontrolled rapid increase
- rent escalationContractual payment increases over time
escalate, escalator, escalation, escalating, escalated, escalators, escalations, de-escalation, de-escalate