[] to become or to make sth greater, more serious, etc. （使）逐步扩大，加剧◆The organization is faced with escalating costs and decreasing revenue. 这一机构面临着不断上升的成本和不断下降的收入的境况。◆The management's action could escalate the dispute. 管理层的行动可能使这一争论升级。
[] to increase a price, charge, etc. in order to pay for a rise in the cost of materials, wages, etc. 提高（价格、费用等以支付上涨的原材料费、工资等）◆Our management fees are escalated at 3% a year. 我们的管理费每年提高 3%。