escalate etymology

Etymology

The word "escalate" originates from the Late Latin word "escalare," which means "to scale" or "to climb." It was first used in English in the 15th century to refer specifically to scaling walls or fortifications.

Meaning

To escalate means to:

  • Increase in intensity, magnitude, or scope
  • Become more serious or severe
  • Progress from a lesser to a greater extent
  • Move or rise gradually

Origin

The term "escalate" derives from the military context, where it was used to describe the act of climbing up walls using ladders or siege towers. The word "scala" in Latin means "ladder" or "staircase."

Over time, the meaning of "escalate" expanded to encompass any increase or progression in intensity or severity. It is now commonly used in various fields, including politics, economics, and conflict resolution, to describe situations that become more intense or serious over time.

escalate relate terms

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