a naillike fastener, 3 to 12 in. (7.6 to 30.5 cm) long and proportionately thicker than a common nail, for fastening together heavy timbers or railroad track.

something resembling such a nail; a stiff, sharp-pointed piece or part

to set spikes in the top of a cement wall.

a sharp-pointed piece of metal set with the point outward, as on a weapon.

an abrupt increase or rise

a chart showing a spike of unusual activity in the stock market; a sudden spike of electrical current.

a rectangular or naillike metal projection on the heel and sole of a shoe for improving traction, as of a baseball player or a runner.

spikes, a pair of shoes having such projections.

the unbranched antler of a young deer.

Botany . a flower stalk.

a pointed portion of a continuous curve or graph, usually rising above the adjacent portion

a spike in the value of the voltage.

Volleyball . a hard smash, hit close to the net, almost straight down into the opponent's court.

Slang . a hypodermic needle.

to fasten or secure with a spike or spikes.

to provide or set with a spike or spikes.

to pierce with or impale on a spike.

to set or stud with something suggesting spikes.

to injure (another player or a competitor) with the spikes of one's shoe, as in baseball.

Volleyball . to hit (a ball in the air) with a powerful, overarm motion from a position close to the net so as to cause it to travel almost straight down into the court of the opponents.

Football . to slam (the ball) to the ground in the end zone, after scoring a touchdown.

to render (a muzzle-loading gun) useless by driving a spike into the touchhole.

to make ineffective; frustrate or thwart

to spike a rumor; to spike someone's chances for promotion.

Informal .

to add alcoholic liquor to (a drink).

to add (a chemical, poison, or other substance) to

The cocoa was spiked with cyanide.

Journalism Slang . to refuse (a story) by or as if by placing on a spindle.

to rise or increase sharply (often fol. by up )

Interest rates spiked up last week.

spike someone's guns. gun 1 ( def. 15 ) .

verb

fasten , impale , lance , make fast , nail , pin , prick , skewer , spear , spit , stick , transfix , antler , bayonet , block , fortify , horn , injure , lace , mackerel , peak , peg , pierce , point , puncture , secure , stab , stake , stud , thwart , tine