What does "spikes" mean?

1. (sharp points) long, thin, sharp objects or points. 2. (sudden increases) a sudden, large increase in something, like a price or a temperature. 3. (athletic shoes) special shoes with metal points on the bottom used for running or sports. 4. (to increase sharply) to rise very quickly to a high level. 5. (to add something to a drink) to secretly add alcohol or a drug to someone's drink.

spikes

n. · v.

US //ˈspaɪks// UK //spˈaɪks// spikes

1 sharp points (n.)
B1 Intermediate

long, thin, sharp objects or points.

thin, pointed objects or projections, often made of metal or wood.

Example

The top of the iron fence was covered in sharp spikes to keep people out.

Example

The biologist noted that the desert plant had evolved long, needle-like spikes to protect its water-rich interior from local herbivores.
- points
- prongs
- nails
2 sudden increases (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a sudden, large increase in something, like a price or a temperature.

a sharp, sudden increase in a value, quantity, or intensity, often represented as a peak on a graph.

Example

There was a sudden spike in electricity prices during the cold winter months.

Example

The data revealed a significant spike in web traffic immediately following the celebrity's endorsement of the product on social media.

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3 athletic shoes (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

special shoes with metal points on the bottom used for running or sports.

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

Example

The runner put on her spikes before stepping onto the track for the race.

Example

The sprinter adjusted his spikes carefully, ensuring the metal pins were tight enough to provide maximum grip during the explosive start.
- cleats
- studs
4 to increase sharply (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to rise very quickly to a high level.

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

Example

The temperature is expected to spike this afternoon, so stay in the shade.

Example

Market analysts observed that oil prices tend to spike whenever geopolitical tensions rise in the producing regions.
- plummet
- crash
5 to add something to a drink (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

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

to add a strong or illicit substance, such as alcohol or a drug, to a drink without the consumer's knowledge.

Example

He didn't realize someone had spiked the fruit punch with vodka.

Example

The safety campaign warned students to never leave their glasses unattended in case someone tried to spike their drinks.
- lace
- adulterate