Meaning of “spoil” in the English Dictionary

Contents

"spoil" in English

See all translations

spoilverb

uk /spɔɪl/ us /spɔɪl/ spoiled or spoilt, spoiled or spoilt

spoil verb (DESTROY)

B1 [ T ] to destroy or reduce the pleasure, interest, or beauty of something:

He tried not to let the bad news spoil his evening.

The oil spill has spoiled the whole beautiful coastline.

I haven't seen the film, so don't spoil it for me by telling me what happens.

You'll spoil your appetite for dinner if you have a cake now.

› [ I or T ] When food spoils or is spoiled, it is no longer good enough to eat:

The dessert will spoil if you don't keep it in the fridge.

› [ T ] UK specialized politics to mark a ballot paper so that it cannot be officially counted as a vote:

Since she supported none of the candidates, she spoiled her ballot paper.

More examples

He wasn't enjoying the occasion so he thought he'd spoil it for everyone else - it was very childish of him.
Knowing the ending already didn't spoil my enjoyment of the film.
The government is understandably reluctant to do anything which might spoil the harmonious relations between the country's ethnic groups.
I won't have any chocolate, thanks. It will spoil my appetite.
Let it rain - it won't spoil our afternoon.

Thesaurus: synonyms and related words

Damaging and spoiling

See more results »

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Edible & inedible

Decaying and staying fresh

Elections

spoil verb (TREAT WELL)

› [ T ] to treat someone very or too well, especially by being extremely generous:

When I'm feeling miserable I go shopping and spoil myself - a couple of new dresses always make me feel better.

Thesaurus: synonyms and related words

Treating someone well

See more results »

spoil verb (CHILD)

C1 [ T ] disapproving to allow a child to do or have everything that it wants to, usually so that it expects to get everything it wants and does not show respect to other people: