escalatory
- adjective
- /ˈɛskəˌleɪtəri/
- It is too blunt an instrument—too destructive, provocative, and escalatory—to do anything other than react to visible symptoms.
- escalatory actions
Examples
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So here we are, in a dangerous escalatory cycle that is already sweeping the region, with scores of Palestinians dead, horrific images, a highly charged blame game, and no obvious exit strategy.
Blog text (3) -
Up until the mid-1950s, the nuclear weapon had not posed an escalatory threat.
Academic text (1992) -
To prevent such escalatory incidents from taking place, an international peacekeeping force will often be stationed along the border in question.
Academic text (1993) -
Undoubtedly, both types of deterrence - preparatory and escalatory - played a role as well.
Academic text (2017) -
In fact, sea power advocates would claim that this gradual escalatory effect is one of a blockade's more humane features.
Academic text (1993) -
They were concerned that nuclear weapons were inherently escalatory; that is, that the possession of those weapons by the United States and the Soviet Union created pressures for "first use"—using nuclear weapons against the enemy before he used them against you.
Academic text (2000) -
With a seriously deteriorating security situation, Ayub authorized Operation Grand Slam for 2 September, a dangerous, potentially escalatory armored attack moving toward Akhnur bridge that was designed to isolate Indian forces in the Kashmir Valley.
Academic text (2000) -
The government is concerned about the escalatory measures being taken by both sides in the conflict.
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Increased military presence in the region is viewed as an escalatory action that may heighten tensions.
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His comments were seen as escalatory, leading to a rapid rise in hostility between the two nations.
Synonyms
Made stronger or more serious
Much stronger or larger than before
Becoming stronger or more intense
Larger or more than before
Higher than the usual amount or level
Higher than normal in amount or level
Becoming greater in amount or number
Becoming greater in amount or number
How Escalatory
- Literature
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word escalatory comes from escalate, which originally comes from a root that meant 'ladder' or 'stairs', like an escalator that moves things up. So something escalatory makes a situation go up — more intense, more serious, or larger.