German Conversation · Level 63
76 words
German word
Eskalation
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛskalaˈtsi̯oːn/
Meaning
- feminine nounescalation
Example
Die Eskalation der Diskussion überraschte alle.
The escalation of the discussion surprised everyone.
More examples
Diplomatische Bemühungen können eine Eskalation verhindern.
Diplomatic efforts can prevent an escalation.
Core concept
Pressure between opposing sides rises step by step until peaceful control starts to fail.
Common phrases
eine Eskalation verhindern
prevent an escalation
zu einer Eskalation führen
lead to an escalation
eine Eskalation auslösen
trigger an escalation
Similar words
Zuspitzung: A situation reaches a critical point where the issues become sharply defined.
Verschärfung: A problem grows more severe and harder to handle effectively.
Anspannung: Growing tension creates a strained and uneasy atmosphere.
Definition in German
Schnelle oder schrittweise Verschärfung einer Lage, besonders bei Konflikten oder Spannungen.
Word origin
Eskalation belongs to the international family of words based on Latin scala, 'ladder', which conveys movement to a higher level.
Usage tips
- Eskalation usually signals a negative worsening in conflict or tension, not a neutral increase in size or quantity.
Other meanings
- intensificationnoun
Opposites
- Deeskalationde-escalationnoun
- Entspannungrelaxationnoun
Related words
- eskalierenescalateverb
- Eskalationsstufeescalation levelnoun
- Eskalationsspiraleescalation spiralnoun