spoil
3 ENTRIES FOUND:
Britannica Dictionary definition of SPOIL
1
[+ object]
:
to have a bad effect on (something)
:
to damage or ruin (something)
-
The fight spoiled the party.
-
The camping trip was spoiled by bad weather.
-
Don't let one mistake spoil your day.
-
He always spoils everything.
-
Don't spoil your appetite by snacking too much.
-
Exposure to air will spoil the wine.
-
I spoiled the sauce by adding too much garlic.
2
[no object]
:
to decay or lose freshness especially because of being kept too long
-
The milk/fruit was beginning to spoil.
3
[+ object]
a
disapproving
:
to give (someone, such as a child) everything that he or she wants
:
to have a bad effect on (someone) by allowing too many things or by not correcting bad behavior
— often used as (be) spoiled
— sometimes used figuratively
-
Her grandparents spoil her.
-
He was spoiled by his parents.
-
a spoiled brat
-
That child is spoiled rotten. [=very spoiled]
-
We've been spoiled lately by/with this beautiful weather. [=we've had so much beautiful weather that we expect the weather always to be beautiful]
-
(Brit) Customers are spoiled/spoilt for choice [=customers have a lot of choices] when buying a new car.
b
:
to treat (someone) very well
-
The hotel spoils their guests with fine dining and excellent service.
-
She always spoils me on my birthday.
-
You should spoil yourself with a day at the spa.
(be) spoiling for
:
to have a strong desire for (something, such as a fight)
-
They are spoiling for a fight/argument.
-
The team is spoiling for a rematch.
2
spoil
/ˈspojəl/
noun
plural
spoils
2
spoil
/ˈspojəl/
noun
plural
spoils
Britannica Dictionary definition of SPOIL
[count]
formal
1
:
something stolen or taken by thieves, soldiers, etc.
— usually plural
— usually used with the
-
The pirates divided the spoils among themselves.
-
the spoils of war
2
:
something valuable or desirable that someone gets by working or trying hard
— usually plural
— usually used with the
-
We shared the spoils of victory.
-
the spoils of success
