1. to increase in intensity, severity, or scope as a project, task, or event approaches its end
Tensions escalate as completion nears on the construction project.
As tensões se intensificam conforme a conclusão se aproxima no projeto de construção.
2. to grow more serious or urgent in the final stages
Pressure escalates as completion nears for the deadline.
A pressão aumenta conforme a conclusão se aproxima do prazo.