escalate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"There's danger that they will escalate situations or respond very aggressively in... tense situations," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

His comments come as the war involving Iran continues to escalate, raising fears of a broader regional conflict and drawing political responses from leaders in the United States and beyond.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

“When hotels are used to house ICE or Border Patrol personnel, workers may be exposed to situations involving heavy armed federal presence, protests, and law-enforcement responses that can escalate rapidly,” the letter reads.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

It comes amid fears that Wednesday’s series of attacks on energy infrastructure could escalate, further disrupting the global supply of oil.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Ironically, the good times in between were what allowed it to drag out and escalate as far as it did.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah