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

• Escalation (1968 Italian film), a 1968 Italian film
• Escalation (1968 animated film), a 1968 anti-Vietnam War animated cartoon, directed by Ward Kimball
• Escalation Studios, an American video game developer

• De-escalation, an attempt to quell conflict