skyrocket

[ skahy-rok-it ]

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.

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

/ ˈskaɪˌrɒkɪt /

noun

1. another word for rocket 1

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of skyrocket¹

First recorded in 1680–90; sky + rocket ¹

Example Sentences

Musk has admitted that his plans would inflict "hardship" on Americans; austerity measures in other countries have led to skyrocketing poverty rates and economic instability.

From Salon

"I am typing this from the Sri Jayawardenapura general hospital, a public hospital which is switching off its lights and fans to try to bring down skyrocketing electricity costs."

From BBC

It started to look good for him in December 2023 when, for the first time, his stash skyrocketed in value.

From BBC

“I went to go purchase a car - the interest rates had skyrocketed,” the 34-year-old said.

From BBC

Plush toys, a hot category in the toy industry, did monster numbers: Pop Mart said revenue skyrocketed nearly 1,000% in the first half of the year, to $62.5 million.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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