Escalate with 'UP' is a term that means to increase or intensify something. The crossword solutions for this term are RATCHET and STEP. RATCHET is a 7-letter word that refers to a tool used to tighten or loosen a bolt or nut, while STEP is a 4-letter word that means to move by lifting the foot and setting it down in another place. Together, these two words can be used to describe the process of escalating something UP.