To increase sharply and suddenly. The temperature spiked to record highs during the heatwave.
To add alcohol or a drug to a drink or food surreptitiously. He spiked the punch with vodka at the party.
To pierce or impale with a sharp object. She accidentally spiked her finger with the needle while sewing.
To stop the progress of something, especially a story or article, by refusing to publish it. The editor decided to spike the controversial article before it went to print.
To hit a ball sharply downward in volleyball. She spiked the ball over the net to score a point for her team.
To style (hair) so that it stands up in stiff, pointed strands. He spiked his hair with extra-strong gel for the concert.
To secure or fasten with spikes. The workers spiked the new rails onto the wooden sleepers.