Spike — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

Meaning & Definition of Spike

Spike (noun)

a very large nail
one of a row of pointed irons placed (as on the top of a wall) to prevent passage
one of several metal projections set in the sole and heel of a shoe to improve traction
an ear of grain
an elongated inflorescence similar to a raceme but having the flowers sessile on the main axis

Spike (verb)

to fasten or furnish with spikes
to disable (a muzzle-loading cannon) temporarily by driving a spike into the vent
to suppress or block completely

Spike (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

as in dart

similar: dart, javelin, lance, pike, pikestaff, shaft, spear, gaff, halberd, harpoon, leister, trident
as in jump, run-up

similar: jump, run-up, accession, appendix, continuation, extension, uptrend, upturn, complement, accumulation, assemblage, collection, gathering, accretion, accrual, addendum, addition, augmentation, boost, expansion, gain, increase, increment, more, plus, proliferation, raise, rise, step-up, supplement, uptick

opposite: abatement, decline, decrease, decrement, depletion, diminishment, diminution, drop-off, fall, falloff, lessening, loss, lowering, reduction, shrinkage, step-down, deduction, subtraction

Spike (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object

"scorpions use their stinger-equipped tails to spike their prey"

similar: gore, harpoon, impale, jab, lance, peck, pick, pierce, pink, puncture, run through, skewer, spear, spit, stab, stick, transfix, transpierce

related: spindle, perforate, riddle, bayonet, dirk, gimlet, pike, poniard, prong, quill, pinprick, poke, prick, punch, thrust, cut, knife, slice
to give life, vigor, or spirit to

"he spiked what otherwise would have been a dry economic lecture with some jokes and anecdotes"

similar: amp (up), animate, brace, energize, enliven, fillip, fire, ginger (up), invigorate, jazz (up), juice up, jump-start, liven (up), pep (up), quicken, stimulate, vitalize, vivify, zip (up)

related: arouse, awake, awaken, raise, rouse, stir, wake (up), activate, actuate, drive, impel, motivate, motive, move, propel, charge, electrify, galvanize, enkindle, excite, ferment, foment, incite, inflame, instigate, kindle, provoke, set off, spark, trigger, turn on, whip (up), abet, boost, buoy, cheer, embolden, fortify, hearten, infuse, inspire, lift, rally, steel, strengthen, reactivate, reanimate, reawake, reawaken, recharge, recreate, reenergize, refresh, refreshen, regenerate, reinvigorate, rejuvenate, rekindle, renew, restimulate, resurrect, resuscitate, revitalize, revive

opposite: damp, dampen, deaden, dull, kill

near: burn out, debilitate, do in, drain, enervate, enfeeble, exhaust, fag, fatigue, harass, kayo, knock out, sap, tucker (out), undermine, wash out, weaken, wear, wear out, weary, check, curb, inhibit, jade, quell, quench, repress, restrain, slow, still, stunt, suppress, daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Spike

The most common words with a similar meaning to Spike:

dart, javelin, lance, pike, pikestaff, shaft, spear, gaff, halberd, harpoon, leister, trident, jump, run-up, accession, appendix, continuation, extension, uptrend, upturn, complement, accumulation, assemblage, collection, gathering, accretion, accrual, addendum, addition, augmentation, boost, expansion, gain, increase, increment, more, plus, proliferation, raise, rise

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Spike

Words with the opposite meaning of Spike:

abatement, decline, decrease, decrement, depletion, diminishment, diminution, drop-off, fall, falloff, lessening, loss, lowering, reduction, shrinkage, step-down, deduction, subtraction, damp, dampen, deaden, dull, kill

Related Words for Spike

spindle, perforate, riddle, bayonet, dirk, gimlet, poniard, prong, quill, pinprick, poke, prick, punch, thrust, cut, knife, slice, arouse, awake, awaken, rouse, stir, wake (up), activate, actuate, drive, impel, motivate, motive, move

Near Antonyms of Spike

burn out, debilitate, do in, drain, enervate, enfeeble, exhaust, fag, fatigue, harass, kayo, knock out, sap, tucker (out), undermine, wash out, weaken, wear, wear out, weary, check, curb, inhibit, jade, quell, quench, repress, restrain, slow, still

Word Forms of Spike

Inflections: spikes, spiked, spiking

Derived words: spikelike (adjective), spiker (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Spike

Middle English, probably from Old Norse spīk splinter & spīkr spike; akin to Middle Dutch spiker spike spoke

First known use: 13th century

Words & Phrases Containing Spike

spike heel, spike lavender, spike protein, spike-tooth harrow, spike someone's guns

Frequently Asked Questions about Spike

What does "Spike" mean?

"Spike" means a very large nail. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a very large nail. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Spike"?

Other words for "Spike" include dart, javelin, lance, pike, pikestaff, shaft, spear and gaff. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Spike" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Spike"?

There are 156 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Spike". Common alternatives include dart, javelin, lance, pike, pikestaff, shaft, spear, gaff, halberd and harpoon.

What is the opposite of "Spike"?

Antonyms of "Spike" include abatement, decline, decrease, decrement, depletion, diminishment, diminution and drop-off. Near antonyms include burn out, debilitate, do in and drain.

How do you use "Spike" in a sentence?

Examples of "Spike" in a sentence: "scorpions use their stinger-equipped tails to spike their prey"; "he spiked what otherwise would have been a dry economic lecture with some jokes and anecdotes".

Is "Spike" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Spike" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Spike"?

"Spike" is pronounced /ˈspīk/.

What is the origin of the word "Spike"?

"Spike" comes from Middle English, probably from Old Norse spīk splinter & spīkr spike; akin to Middle Dutch spiker spike spoke. First known use: 13th century.