# spiking

/ˈspaɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /spˈaɪkɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spiking
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

to add something to a drink or food without the person knowing. This is usually done to make them sick or to steal from them.

For teachers: to add a substance to a drink or food without the knowledge or consent of the consumer. Often used in the context of criminal activity or social harm.

## Examples

- He was arrested for spiking the victim's drink with a drug.
- The police are investigating a series of incidents where people were spiked with alcohol at the local festival.
- Security measures at the venue were tightened after several reports of drinks being spiked, leading to a significant increase in staff presence during the evening hours.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.