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

The Bears, with good reason, feared that their tax bill would skyrocket.

From The Wall Street Journal

Airlines are raising fares, adding baggage fees and dialing back routes as they try to cover the skyrocketing costs of jet fuel, which is among the biggest expenses that airlines face.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It's ridiculous, honestly. Seeing these gas prices skyrocket, it's incredible," he said at a gas station in New Jersey.

From Barron's

"Consequently, the percentage of consumers stating that interest rates over the next 12 months will be higher on net skyrocketed from 34.9 percent to 42.4 percent," the report said.

From Barron's

Those price hikes are especially rough as gas prices are skyrocketing, along with the price of pretty much everything else.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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