escalate
/ˈɛskəˌleɪt/
verb
- To increase in intensity, extent, or seriousness.
- The company decided to escalate the issue to senior management for a faster resolution.
- The argument between the two neighbors began to escalate into a loud shouting match.
- If we don't address the problem now, the conflict could escalate quickly.
- To cause something to become more intense or serious.
- The manager tried not to escalate the situation by staying calm.
- The politician's harsh words only served to escalate tensions between the groups.
- Raising prices too much might escalate customer complaints.