escalator
Motorized shopping ascent
An escalator is a moving staircase—a mechanized set of steps that carries people between floors in buildings.
Escalators loop continuously, with steps flattening at top and bottom for easy boarding.
The word began as a trademark but became generic.
To escalate is to increase or intensify, often gradually: The argument escalated into a shouting match.
Self-propelling stepped conveyor
- OtisElevator manufacturer name
- MitsubishiJapanese multinational corporation
- SchindlerHolocaust rescuer, German businessman
- genericizedMade into common term
brand name · proprietary · invention · patent
Sequential actions in process
- handrailBar for gripping on stairs
- treadsOuter tire surfaces
- motorEnergy-to-motion converter
- gearsToothed rotating machine parts
chain · drive · pulleys · sprocket · bearings · balustrade · landing · incline
Vertical conveyance between floors
- staircaseIndoor flight of steps
- wheelchairSeated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- rampSloped connecting surface
- liftMechanism for vertical transport
accessibility · movement · ascending · descending · pedestrian · conveyance · ADA · handrail
Underground transit passage
- metroUrban rail transit
- stationFixed stopping point
- platformRaised flat structure
- commuteRegular work travel
passengers · terminal · turnstile · interchange · underground · departure · mall · airport
Toward a higher position
- riseMove to higher position
- climbAscend using effort
- ascentUpward movement
- standingPosition, physical or social
riding · step on · skyward · elevation · upper floor
Toward a lower position
- descentDownward slope or lineage
- lowerReduce or move downward
- declineDecrease or refuse
- ground floorLowest building level
moving staircase
Self-propelling stepped conveyor
- OtisElevator manufacturer name
- MitsubishiJapanese multinational corporation
- SchindlerHolocaust rescuer, German businessman
genericized · brand name · proprietary · invention · patent
steps
Sequential actions in process
gears · chain · drive · pulleys · sprocket · bearings · balustrade · landing · incline · belt
elevator
Vertical conveyance between floors
- staircaseIndoor flight of steps
- wheelchairSeated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- rampSloped connecting surface
lift · accessibility · movement · ascending · descending · pedestrian · conveyance · ADA · handrail · step-free
subway
Underground transit passage
commute · passengers · terminal · turnstile · interchange · underground · departure · mall · airport · shopping center
upward
Toward a higher position
standing · riding · step on · skyward · elevation · upper floor
downward
Toward a lower position
intensify
Increase in degree
surge · expand · worsen · aggravate · exacerbate · spiral · snowball · buildup · ratchet up · accelerate
- airportsairports, airport, terminals, terminal building, runway
- airport featuresshuttle, jetway, jet bridge, sliding doors, barrier
- building featuresentrance, entrances, exits, lobby, lobbies
- department storesfitting room, Macy's, mannequin, Nordstrom, checkout
- Going Upclimb, rise, rising, upward, soaring
- inventionsprinting press, steam engine, lightbulb, light bulb, microscope
- de-escalation techniquesMethods to lower conflict intensity
- privilege escalationGaining unauthorized higher permissions
- rampant escalationUncontrolled rapid increase
- rent escalationContractual payment increases over time
escalate, escalation, escalating, escalates, escalated, escalators, escalations, de-escalation, de-escalate