When we hear the phrase "spike a rumor," we might automatically think of ending or killing a piece of gossip or hearsay. But there are many other ways to describe this action. For example, you could say that you quashed a rumor, debunked it, or put it to rest. Alternatively, you might say that you nipped it in the bud, extinguished it, or stampeded it out. Depending on your tone and intention, you might also say that you silenced a rumor, shut it down, or even massacred it. In any case, spiking a rumor involves taking swift and decisive action to prevent it from spreading further.