The process or act of increasing or intensifying in magnitude, seriousness, or scope. There has been a sudden escalation in housing prices across the city.
A rapid or significant increase in hostility or violence in a dispute, conflict, or war. Military analysts warned of a further escalation in the border clashes.
The act of referring a matter or complaint to a higher level of authority for resolution. When the support agent couldn't solve the issue, he initiated an escalation to the engineering team.