escalate /ˈɛskəˌleɪt/ CET6+ TEM8 ( escalating, escalated, escalates )

• 1. 

  V-T/V-I If a bad situation escalates or if someone or something escalates it, it becomes greater in size, seriousness, or intensity. 使…加剧; 加剧 [journalism]

  例：

  Both unions and management fear the dispute could escalate.

  各工会与资方都害怕争端会加剧。

  例：

  The protests escalated into five days of rioting.

  抗议逐渐升级为5天的暴乱。

• 2. 

  escalation N-VAR 加剧

  例：

  The threat of nuclear escalation remains.

  核升级的威胁依然存在。