激化 (jī huà): to intensify

The disagreement between the two sides over the border issue kept intensifying, eventually leading to an armed conflict.

The manager's inappropriate criticism intensified the conflict between the employees and the management, and many began to consider resigning.

If parents always favor one side, jealousy among siblings may intensify.

The economic recession intensified social discontent, and large-scale protests broke out in multiple cities.

He constantly intensified the other party's hostility during the debate, making a problem that could have been solved peacefully become complicated.