spike
To increase suddenly and sharply
Examples
In a meeting
“Website traffic spiked after the marketing campaign launched.”
Over coffee
“My electric bill spiked this month because of the heat wave.”
Why this word
increase
Spike indicates a sudden, sharp, often temporary rise, not gradual growth
surge
Spike emphasizes the sharp peak and often implies briefness more than surge
jump
Spike conveys a more dramatic and pointed increase, with visual imagery of sharpness
Usage tip
Use for sudden, dramatic increases in numbers, activity, or intensity
Etymology
From the sharp pointed object, metaphorically extended to mean sharp upward movement
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