spike

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C] a thin object with a sharp point, especially a pointed piece of metal, wood, etc: a row of iron spikes on a wall * Her hair stood up in spikes. seealsoSPIKEHEEL 2 [C,usually pl.] a metal point attached to the sole of a sports shoe to prevent you from slipping while running compareCLEAT 3 (spikes) [pl.] shoes fitted with these metal spikes, used for running: a pair of spikes 4 [C] a long pointed group of flowers that grow together on a single stem verb [VN] 1 to push a sharp piece of metal, wood, etc. into sb/sth; to injure sth on a sharp point 2 ~ sth (with sth) to add alcohol, poison or a drug to sb's drink or food without them knowing: He gave her a drink spiked with tranquillizers * (figurative) Her words were spiked with malice. 3 to reject sth that a person has written or said; to prevent sth from happening or being made public: The article was spiked for fear of legal action against the newspaper. IDIOMS spike sb's guns (BrE) to spoil the plans of an opponent