Spike (journalism) definition

(1) Sports equipment consisting of a sharp point on the sole of a shoe worn by athletes

"Spikes provide greater traction"

(2) A long metal nail

(3) Any holding device consisting of a sharp-pointed object

(4) A long sharp-pointed implement (wood or metal)

(5) A sharp-pointed projection along the top of a fence or wall

(6) A transient variation in voltage or current

(7) A sharp rise followed by a sharp decline

"The seismograph showed a sharp spike in response to the temblor"

(8) (botany) an indeterminate inflorescence bearing sessile flowers on an unbranched axis

(9) Fruiting spike of a cereal plant especially corn

(10) Manifest a sharp increase

"The voltage spiked"

(11) Add alcohol to (beverages)

"The punch is spiked!"

(12) Bring forth a spike or spikes

"My hyacinths and orchids are spiking now"

(13) Secure with spikes

(14) Pierce with a sharp stake or point

"Impale a shrimp on a skewer"

(15) Stand in the way of