skyrocket

American  

[skahy-rok-it] / ˈskaɪˌrɒk ɪt /

noun

1. a rocket firework that ascends into the air and explodes at a height, usually in a brilliant array of sparks of one or more colors.

2. Also called scarlet gilia.  a plant, Ipomopsis aggregata, of the phlox family, native to western North America, having finely divided leaves and clusters of red, trumpet-shaped flowers.

3. an organized group cheer, usually led by a cheerleader, as at a football or basketball game, which begins with a hissing or whistling and ends with a shout.

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verb (used without object)

1. to rise or increase rapidly or suddenly, especially to unexpected or unprecedented levels.

   Prices skyrocketed during the war.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to rise or increase rapidly and usually suddenly.

   Economic changes have skyrocketed prices.

2. to thrust with sudden dramatic advancement; catapult.

   Talent has skyrocketed him to fame.

skyrocket British  

/ ˈskaɪˌrɒkɪt /

noun

1. another word for rocket 1

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verb

1. informal (intr) to rise rapidly, as in price

Etymology

Origin of skyrocket

First recorded in 1680–90; sky + rocket ¹

Example Sentences

Unsurprisingly in such circumstances, the price of black-market fuel has skyrocketed.

From BBC

Or when utility bills skyrocket because data centers use up enormous energy.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the entertainment firm continues to post blockbuster revenues and profits, it faces ongoing backlash - in the US and beyond - over skyrocketing ticket prices.

From BBC

Fishing for the invasive blue catfish in the Potomac downstream of D.C. has skyrocketed in recent years, and there is concern about how the fishery will be affected.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rubbish fires, many related to homeless encampments, have skyrocketed over the last several years, according to Los Angeles Fire Department data.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• catapult
• escalate
• rise
• rocket
• shoot up
• zoom