spoil

//spɔɪl//
B1Frequency Level 9Neutral
Visual representation of spoil

Verb

spoilInfinitive
spoilPresent tense
spoiledPast tense
spoiledPast participle
spoilingPresent participle
spoilsThird-person singular
1

To damage or ruin something so that it is no longer good, useful, or enjoyable.

The rain spoiled our picnic.

2

To treat someone, especially a child, with excessive kindness or indulgence, often resulting in bad behavior.

Don't spoil your children too much, or they will become selfish.

3

To become bad or unfit for use, especially of food that has decayed.

The milk will spoil if you leave it out of the fridge.

4

To reveal important details about a story, movie, or book, ruining the surprise for others.

Don't spoil the ending of the movie for me!

Noun

spoilSingular
spoilsPlural
1

Goods or valuables taken by force, especially in war; plunder or loot.

The soldiers divided the spoils of war among themselves.

2

Benefits or advantages gained from a position of power or success.

The politicians fought over the spoils of victory.

spoil - Deep Vocabulary