spoil (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /spɔɪl/

Definition

To damage or ruin something, or to become damaged or ruined.

Examples

• The rain spoiled our picnic plans.

• If you leave food out too long, it will spoil.

• His bad attitude spoiled the mood for everyone.

How to Use spoil

spoil for a fight (idiom)

To be eager to argue or fight. — "He was clearly spoiling for a fight and started shouting at the referee."

spoil someone's plans (collocation)

To ruin someone's intentions or arrangements. — "Don't let one bad grade spoil your plans for getting into college."

spoil the mood (collocation)

To make a pleasant atmosphere unpleasant. — "His rude comment spoiled the mood for everyone."

spoil someone (collocation)

To indulge someone excessively, often to their detriment. — "Parents should be careful not to spoil their children with too many gifts."

Synonyms of spoil

Words with a similar meaning to spoil:

• ruin
• damage
• mar
• corrupt

Antonyms of spoil

Words with the opposite meaning to spoil:

• preserve
• save
• maintain

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary