What does SPOIL mean?

Parts of Speech

verb, noun

Definitions

1. (verb) to damage or ruin something, making it unusable or less valuable; to treat someone with too much kindness or to give them everything they want, often resulting in bad behavior
2. (noun) goods stolen or taken forcibly from a person or place, especially during a war

Pronunciations

• US: /spɔɪl/
• UK: /spɔɪl/

Origin and Usage

The verb "spoil" comes from the Old French word "espoillier," which means "to plunder." It has been used in English since the 14th century. The noun form of "spoil" has been used since the 17th century and originally referred to goods taken during war. Today, the verb "spoil" is commonly used to refer to damaging or ruining something, while the noun form is less commonly used and usually refers to goods taken by force.

Synonyms

• ruin
• wreck
• destroy
• damage
• corrupt

Related Words

• plunder
• loot
• spoon
• stool
• split

Example Sentences

1. He spoiled the surprise by telling her what was in the present.
2. The milk has spoiled and needs to be thrown out.
3. Their parents spoiled them as children, and now they have no sense of responsibility.
4. The invading army took all the spoils of war.