spikes

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

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

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

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

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

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Sports

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

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

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

“The sprinter adjusted his spikes carefully, ensuring the metal pins were tight enough to provide maximum grip during the explosive start.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to rise very quickly to a high level.

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

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

“Market analysts observed that oil prices tend to spike whenever geopolitical tensions rise in the producing regions.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

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

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

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

“The safety campaign warned students to never leave their glasses unattended in case someone tried to spike their drinks.”