"Dramatic escalation" refers to a sudden and significant increase or intensification in a situation or event, causing it to become more serious, severe, or intense. Full definition
The arrests, by national intelligence agents, marked the first at a Western oil firm in Venezuela and represent a dramatic escalation of growing tensions between PDVSA and foreign companies over control of supply contracts. (cnbc.com)
The arrests, by national intelligence agents, marked the first at a Western oil firm in Venezuela and represent a dramatic escalation of growing tensions between PDVSA and foreign companies over control of supply contracts, the sources told Reuters. (cnbc.com)
McCabe's firing also set the stage for a dramatic escalation of Trump's standoff with Mueller. (vox.com)