1. to increase or intensify conflict, hostility, or stress in a situation
The inflammatory remarks only served to escalate tension between the two countries.
Os comentários inflamados apenas serviram para aumentar a tensão entre os dois países.
2. to make a situation more serious or dangerous through aggressive actions or words
We should avoid decisions that escalate tension during negotiations.
Devemos evitar decisões que aumentem a tensão durante as negociações.