spoil Definition
- 1to damage or ruin something
- 2to treat someone with too much kindness and allow them to have or do whatever they want, often resulting in bad behavior
- 3to decay or become bad
Using spoil: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "spoil" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The rain spoiled our picnic.
Example
Don't let your parents spoil you too much.
Example
The milk has spoiled and needs to be thrown away.
Example
The ending of the movie was spoiled for me by my friend.
spoil Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with spoil
Example
He looks like he's spoiling for a fight, so let's just avoid him.
to give someone everything they want, often to the point of causing bad behavior
Example
Her grandparents always spoil her rotten with gifts and treats.
Example
With all these great restaurants in town, we're spoiled for choice!
Origins of spoil
from Old English 'spoilian', meaning 'to plunder'
Summary: spoil in Brief
The verb 'spoil' [spɔɪl] means to damage or ruin something, to treat someone with too much kindness, or to decay or become bad. It can refer to physical objects, people, or situations, as in 'The rain spoiled our picnic,' 'Don't let your parents spoil you too much,' and 'The milk has spoiled and needs to be thrown away.' Phrases include 'spoil for a fight,' 'spoil someone rotten,' and 'spoiled for choice.'
