spike
/spaɪk/
noun
- A thin, pointed piece of metal, wood, or other material.
- The fence had sharp iron spikes on top to keep people out.
- The runner's shoes had metal spikes for better grip on the track.
- She stepped on a rusty spike and had to get a tetanus shot.
- A sudden sharp increase in amount, level, or value.
- The stock market saw a spike in prices after the good news.
- Doctors noticed a spike in flu cases in early winter.
- There was a spike in electricity usage during the heatwave.
- A sharp, pointed cluster of flowers on a stem, as in lavender or wheat.
- Wheat spikes turn golden when they are ready to harvest.
- Each spike on the grass held dozens of tiny seeds.
- The lavender plant produced tall purple spikes in the garden.
- A sharp increase in voltage or electrical current.
- A power spike damaged my computer's hard drive.
- The lights flickered during a voltage spike in the storm.
- Surge protectors help prevent damage from electrical spikes.
verb
- To increase sharply and quickly.
- Temperatures spiked to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday.
- Interest in the new video game spiked after the trailer was released.
- Her heart rate spiked when she saw the bear on the trail.
- To add a sharp point or spikes to something.
- The old fence was spiked with rusty nails.
- They spiked the tops of the gates to prevent climbing.
- The warrior's helmet was spiked for extra intimidation.
- To forcefully hit a volleyball downward into the opponent's court.
- The player jumped high and spiked the ball straight down.
- She spiked the ball over the net for the winning point.
- He practiced spiking for hours to improve his volleyball game.
- To secretly add alcohol or a drug to a drink.
- Never leave your drink unattended; someone might spike it.
- The police arrested a man for spiking drinks at the bar.
- Someone spiked her punch at the party, and she felt sick.
Antonyms