I. ˈeskəˌlāt, ÷-kyə- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: back-formation, from escalator
intransitive verb
: to ascend on or as if on a moving staircase or conveyor belt
transitive verb
: to carry up on or as if on a moving staircase or conveyor belt
II. intransitive verb
: to increase in extent, volume, number, amount, or scope : expand
any limited nuclear war would rapidly escalate into full-scale disaster — Sat. Eve. Post
transitive verb
: to increase the extent, volume, number, amount, or scope of