Escalation is the process of increasing or rising, derived from the concept of an escalator. Specific uses of the term include:

  • Cost escalation, an increase in the price of goods
  • Conflict escalation, an increase in the intensity of a conflict
  • Escalation hypothesis, a theory in evolutionary biology
  • Escalation of commitment, an aspect of game theory
  • Privilege escalation, a computer security process
  • Technological escalation, a technological version of an arms race

Entertainment

  • Escalation (1968 Italian film), a 1968 Italian film
  • Escalation (1968 American film), a 1968 anti-Vietnam War animated cartoon, directed by Ward Kimball
  • Escalation Studios, an American video game developer
  • Escalate (album), 2025 album by Vlure
  • "Escalate" (song), 2023 song by Aimer
  • Escalation (Valorant), a "Gun Game"-style video game mode

See also

  • De-escalation, an attempt to quell conflict
  • Escalator (disambiguation)