Meaning of the word spike in English
What does spike mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
spike
US /spaɪk/
UK /spaɪk/
Noun
1.
a thin, sharp, pointed piece of metal or wood
Example:
•
He hammered a spike into the wall to hang the picture.
•
The fence was topped with sharp metal spikes.
2.
a sudden, sharp increase in the magnitude or intensity of something
Example:
•
There was a sudden spike in electricity prices.
•
The data showed a significant spike in website traffic.
Verb
1.
to pierce or fasten with a spike or spikes
Example:
•
He spiked the documents to the bulletin board.
•
The workers spiked the railway ties into place.
2.
to increase sharply and suddenly
Example:
•
Sales spiked after the advertisement aired.
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The temperature spiked to over 30 degrees Celsius.
3.
to add alcohol or drugs to a drink or food, often secretly
Example:
•
Someone must have spiked her drink.
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The punch was secretly spiked with vodka.