1. To increase in intensity, severity, or scope at the end or final stage of something
The conflict began to escalate at the conclusion of the negotiations.
O conflito começou a intensificar-se na conclusão das negociações.
2. To worsen or become more serious as something comes to an end
The situation escalated at the conclusion of the meeting when disagreements surfaced.
A situação piorou na conclusão da reunião quando surgiram desentendimentos.