escalation
/,eskə'leiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A process of increasing or intensifying: A situation in which something, especially a conflict, disagreement, or series of events, becomes more serious, severe, or intense. 2. A deliberate or automatic increase: A rise in the level, magnitude, or intensity of something, often in response to a previous action or to counteract a discrepancy.
Examples
- The rapid escalation of the crisis required immediate diplomatic intervention.
- There are fears that the new policy could lead to an escalation in regional tensions.
- The report noted a steady escalation in production costs over the last quarter.
- The general warned against any action that might cause an escalation of hostilities.
Advanced Usage
- "Escalation clause": A provision in a contract, such as for rent or wages, that allows for automatic increases under specified conditions, often tied to an index like inflation.
- The lease includes an escalation clause based on the consumer price index.
- "De-escalation": The antonym process of reducing the intensity or severity of a conflict or tense situation.
- Police officers are trained in de-escalation techniques.
Variants and Related Words
- Escalate (verb): To increase rapidly or become more intense.
- The argument quickly escalated into a physical fight.
- Escalatory (adjective): Tending to cause or involving escalation.
- The speech was criticized for its escalatory rhetoric.
Synonyms
- Intensification
- Increase
- Rise
- Aggravation
- Heightening
Related Phrases
- "Cycle of escalation": A situation where actions and reactions cause a continuous and reciprocal increase in conflict or intensity.
- The tit-for-tat sanctions created a dangerous cycle of escalation.
- "Ladder of escalation": A conceptual model describing the progressive stages of increasing conflict or force.
- The military doctrine outlines a clear ladder of escalation for such scenarios.
Noun
- an increase to counteract a perceived discrepancy
- higher wages caused an escalation of prices
- there was a gradual escalation of hostilities