spike
spike Lexical Profile
spike Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A sudden, sharp increase in the magnitude, concentration, or frequency of something.
"The local hospital reported a massive spike in flu admissions during the first week of winter."
A thin, sharp-pointed piece of metal, wood, or another rigid material.
"The climbers wore boots equipped with heavy metal spikes to maintain their grip on the icy terrain."
A forceful downward hit of a ball over the net, particularly in sports like volleyball.
"The crowd cheered wildly as the team captain executed a flawless spike to win the championship match."
• verb
To increase sharply and suddenly, often followed by a rapid decline.
"Global oil prices spiked unexpectedly after the announcement of the trade embargo."
To secretly add alcohol or a drug to a beverage or food.
"She never left her glass unattended at parties to ensure nobody spiked her drink."
To pierce, fasten, or impale something with a sharp-pointed object.
"The railway crew spiked the heavy steel tracks securely into the wooden ties."
• Rhymes for spike
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Middle English 'spyke', likely originating from Old Norse 'spík' (meaning 'splinter') or Middle Dutch 'spīker' (meaning 'nail'). It shares an Indo-European root with the Latin 'spica', meaning 'ear of grain'.