WordWeb Online

1. Increase in extent or intensity
   "The Allies escalated the bombing";
   - intensify, step up

1. Diminish in size, scope, or intensity
   "The war of words between them de-escalated with time"
    
2. Reduce the level, intensity, size or scope of
   "de-escalate a crisis";
   - weaken, step down

Derived forms: de-escalating, de-escalates, de-escalated

Type of: decrease, diminish, fall, increase, lessen, minify

Encyclopedia: Escalate