increase in loudness or intensity

the reluctant cheers began to crescendo

the loudest point reached in a gradually increasing sound

the roar of the crowd reached a crescendo

the port engine's sound rose to a crescendo

the highest point reached in a progressive increase of intensity

the hysteria reached a crescendo around the spring festival

a gradual increase in loudness in a piece of music

each time the key changes, there is a gradual crescendo