Spoil

/spɔɪl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

the remains of something that has decayed or spoiled, particularly food

After a week, the leftovers in the fridge became spoil.

goods or benefits gained through victory or conquest

The spoil of the victory included valuable treasures and land.

verb

to damage or harm something, making it less valuable or enjoyable

The rain may spoil our picnic plans.

to allow an item to decay or become unusable, typically food

If you don't refrigerate the milk, it will spoil quickly.

to pamper excessively, leading to negative consequences for the person being spoiled

If you spoil your child with too many gifts, they may become ungrateful.

From Middle English 's spoil', from Old French 'espoil', from Latin 'spolium' meaning 'banished' or '(an animal's) hide'.

spoils of war

Items taken from an enemy after a victory in battle.

spoil the broth

Too many cooks spoil the broth, meaning too many people involved in a task can ruin it.

spoil someone

To overly indulge someone, especially a child.

spoilage

The process of decay or deterioration, especially in food.

spoiled

Food that has gone bad, or a person who has been excessively pampered.

To not care about consequences and indulge recklessly.

He spoiled himself with a new car and luxury vacations.

To reveal a key detail about a story, such as a movie or book.

Don't spoil the ending for me!