The dispute might have escalated further save for an interruption by a new voice.

A police report said a "verbal dispute escalated to a physical pushing match."

The police said it was unclear why the dispute escalated.

The political dispute escalated into a legal battle, not yet resolved.

By 1920, the dispute had escalated to the point that there was danger of war.

Initial disputes escalated to violence and injustice on both sides.

The dispute escalated and three men were stabbed, the police said.

The killing occurred when a scoring dispute during the game escalated into violence outside the school.

The dispute escalated to a rent of £370 per year being demanded.

A dispute over medical records escalated and the police were called.