26984 words

spoil

9 definitions • 15 examples
1
to destroy or reduce the pleasure, interest, or beauty of something:

Examples:

He tried not to let the bad news spoil his evening.
The oil spill has spoiled the whole beautiful coastline.
spoil something for someone I haven't seen the film, so don't spoil it for me by telling me what happens.
spoil your appetite You'll spoil your appetite for dinner if you have a cake now.
2
When food spoils or is spoiled, it is no longer good enough to eat:

Examples:

The dessert will spoil if you don't keep it in the fridge.
3
to mark a ballot paper so that it cannot be officially counted as a vote:

Examples:

Since she supported none of the candidates, she spoiled her ballot paper.
4
to treat someone very or too well, especially by being extremely generous:

Examples:

When I'm feeling miserable I go shopping and spoil myself - a couple of new dresses always make me feel better.
5
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:

Examples:

spoiled child Mr Harvey, unable for once to do exactly as he wanted, sulked just like a spoiled child.
6
earth, stones, etc. dug out from a hole in the ground:

Examples:

a spoil heap
7
goods, advantages, profits, etc. that you get by your actions or because of your position or situation:

Examples:

8
to destroy or damage something, or to become destroyed or damaged:

Examples:

[ T ] The oil spill spoiled five miles of coastline.
[ T ] Don’t tell me how it ends, you’ll spoil the movie for me.
9
to treat someone very well, esp. by being too generous:

Examples:

My vacation spoiled me.
"We’re spoiling you," he said, handing her another cookie.

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