spike

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a sudden, large increase in price, amount, or a graph.

n. a sharp, brief increase in a value or a sudden surge in electrical power.

“There was a sudden spike in oil prices after the news was announced.”

“The data showed a significant spike in web traffic immediately following the celebrity's social media post.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Sports Informal

n. shoes with sharp points on the bottom to help runners grip the ground.

n. athletic footwear equipped with pointed projections on the sole to provide traction on tracks or turf.

“The sprinter put on his spikes before heading to the starting line.”

“The track athlete replaced the worn spikes on her shoes to ensure maximum grip during the rainy competition.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. a powerful hit in volleyball that sends the ball straight down.

n. a forceful downward hit of the ball over the net into the opponent's court.

“She won the point with a powerful spike that the other team couldn't return.”

“The outside hitter executed a perfect spike, driving the ball past the blockers and onto the floor.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to rise to a high amount or level very quickly.

v. to experience a sudden and significant increase in value, intensity, or volume.

“Temperatures are expected to spike this afternoon, reaching record highs.”

“Public interest in the candidate began to spike as the election date approached and the debates intensified.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to secretly add alcohol or a drug to someone's drink.

v. to adulterate a food or beverage by adding alcohol, a drug, or a potent substance, often without the consumer's knowledge.

“He realized someone had spiked his orange juice with vodka.”

“The punch was heavily spiked with rum, making it much stronger than the guests had anticipated.”

C1 · Advanced Informal

v. to decide not to publish a news story or article.

v. to reject or withhold a news story from publication, originally by impaling it on a physical spindle.

“The editor decided to spike the article because it wasn't accurate.”

“The editor-in-chief chose to spike the controversial investigative piece, fearing potential legal repercussions for the newspaper.”

C2 · Proficiency Medicine Slang · Vulgar

v. to inject an illegal drug into the body.

v. to administer a drug intravenously using a hypodermic needle.

“The documentary showed the harsh reality of people who spike heroin in the streets.”

“The outreach program aims to reduce the risks for individuals who spike drugs by providing clean needles and medical support.”