What term describes the increasing use of force or resistance in a confrontation?

The term that describes the increasing use of force or resistance in a confrontation is "escalation." In the context of confrontations, escalation refers to the process where the intensity of a conflict increases, possibly leading to more aggressive behaviors or heightened tensions. This term is particularly relevant in law enforcement and correctional settings, where officers might face situations that can escalate if not managed carefully. Understanding escalation helps officers recognize the signs and potentially intervene before a situation worsens, making it a critical concept in conflict resolution and control.

On the other hand, de-escalation refers to techniques used to reduce the intensity of a conflict, disengagement signifies withdrawing from a confrontation, and passive resistance involves non-violent opposition without active confrontation. Each of these terms represents a different approach to handling conflicts, but only one specifically refers to the increasing nature of force or resistance.