Crossword Genius

Laughing escalates (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

increases

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'escalates' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for increases that I've seen before include "Becomes greater" , "Gets bigger" , "Becomes bigger" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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