to increase in intensity, magnitude, etc.

to escalate a war; a time when prices escalate.

to raise, lower, rise, or descend on or as if on an escalator.

verb

decrease , diminish , lessen , lower , weaken

verb

amplify , ascend , broaden , climb , enlarge , expand , extend , grow , heighten , intensify , magnify , make worse , mount , raise , rise , scale , step up , widen , aggrandize , augment , boost , build , build up , burgeon , multiply , proliferate , run up , snowball , soar , swell , upsurge , wax , advance , increase