/ˈeskəleɪt ||; ˈɛskəˌlet/verb[I,T] 1 escalate (sth) (into sth) (to cause sth) to become stronger or more serious （使）增强，变得更严重: The demonstrations are escalating into violent protest in all the major cities. 示威在全国各大城市均升级为激烈抗议。The terrorist attacks escalated tension in the capital. 恐怖分子的攻击行动便首都气氛越发紧张。
2 (to cause sth) to become greater or higher; to increase （使）扩大，提高，增加:
The cost of housing has escalated in recent years. 近年来居住费用不断上升。 ➔escalation /ˌeskəˈleɪʃn ||; ˌɛskəˈleʃən/ noun [C,U]