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

One main concern was that raising the minimum wage would cause expenses to skyrocket, leading to either a necessary reduction in quality or staff, while another is that many patrons would stop tipping altogether if the wage went into effect.

From Salon

Polly Neate, chief executive of homelessness charity Shelter, said a lack of social housing meant that "as rents continue to skyrocket", the freeze on housing benefits meant low-income families in the private sector were at risk of losing their homes.

From BBC

Even though the arrival of wealthy Shia families from the south and Dahieh have caused rental prices to skyrocket and boosted the incomes of landlords, many are now concerned that they could be members of Hezbollah and potential Israeli targets.

From BBC

“That’s not how this works. This is basic human rights. We have seen maternal mortality skyrocket in Texas, outpacing many other countries in the world. This is about healthcare,” Walz said.

From Salon

Breed has called for more housing development across all income levels in San Francisco as rental costs skyrocket and the median home price exceeds $1 million.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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