spike
Translation
spike, sharp point, sudden increase, to pierce
Examples
The fence has sharp spikes on top.
The fence has sharp spikes on top.
There was a sudden spike in prices.
There was a sudden spike in prices.
He spiked the ball over the net.
He spiked the ball over the net.
Someone spiked the punch with alcohol.
Someone spiked the punch with alcohol.
Grammar Patterns
((a/the)) spike ((on sth.)) a sharp point on something The fence has sharp spikes on top.
((a)) spike ((in sth.)) a sudden increase in something There was a sudden spike in prices.
((to)) spike ((sth.)) to hit a ball forcefully downwards He spiked the ball over the net.
((to)) spike ((sth.)) ((with sth.)) to add alcohol or a drug to drink/food Someone spiked the punch with alcohol.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Old Norse 'spīk', meaning 'splinter'.
Memory Tips
A sharp increase on a graph looks like a sharp 'spike'. A sharp 'spike' can also 'spike' (pierce) something.