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to increase or intensify, especially a problem or situation
The conflict escalated into a full-scale war.
The situation escalated quickly, and soon everyone was involved.
to promote or move someone to a higher position or rank
She was escalated to a senior management position within a year.
Be careful not to confuse 'escalate' with 'exaggerate', which means to make something seem bigger or more important than it really is.
From Latin 'scala', meaning 'ladder', and '-ate', a verb-forming suffix.
Often used in formal or professional contexts, such as business, politics, or conflict resolution.