ESCALATION definition : 1. a situation in which something becomes greater or more serious: 2. a situation in which…. Learn more. Escalate means to increase or become greater in size, seriousness, or intensity. It can also mean to refer an issue to a higher authority or to rise on an escalator. See pronunciation, usage, and related words. In this article, we’ll dive into what escalations mean , explore the types of escalations, and understand their importance. Definition of escalation noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning , pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.