| escalate | (v) increase in extent or intensity, Syn. step up, intensify, Ant. de-escalate, Example: The Allies escalated the bombing |
| escalation | (n) an increase to counteract a perceived discrepancy, Example: higher wages caused an escalation of prices; there was a gradual escalation of hostilities |
| escalator | (n) a stairway whose steps move continuously on a circulating belt, Syn. moving stairway, moving staircase |
| escalator clause | (n) a clause in a contract that provides for an increase or a decrease in wages or prices or benefits etc. depending on certain conditions (as a change in the cost of living index), Syn. escalator |
| Escalator | n. [ NL. Cf. Escalade. ] A stairway or incline arranged like an endless belt so that the steps or treads ascend or descend continuously, and one stepping upon it is carried up or down; -- originally a trade term, which has become the generic name for such devices. Such devices are in common use in large retail establishments such as department stores, and in public buildings having a heavy traffic of persons between adjacent floors. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC ] |