(~s, escalating, ~d)
If a bad situation ~s or if someone or something ~s it, it becomes greater in size, seriousness, or intensity. (JOURNALISM)
Both unions and management fear the dispute could ~...
The protests ~d into five days of rioting...
Defeat could cause one side or other to ~ the conflict.
VERB: V, V into n, V n
escalation (escalations)
The threat of nuclear escalation remains.
...a sudden escalation of violence.
N-VAR