escalate

US /ˈes.kə.leɪt/

UK /ˈes.kə.leɪt/

1.

increase rapidly

:

•

The conflict began to escalate quickly.

•

Prices for gas continue to escalate.

:

intensify worsen aggravate heighten mount

2.

raise to a higher level

:

•

The manager decided to escalate the issue to senior management.

•

We need to escalate our efforts to meet the deadline.

:

raise elevate promote advance upgrade

:

escalator escalation