escalation

{{Wiktionary|escalation}}

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