spoil
|spoil|
/spɔɪl/
damaged or ruined
Etymology
'spoil' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'espoillier,' where 'es-' meant 'out' and 'poillier' meant 'to strip or plunder.'
'espoillier' transformed into the Middle English word 'spoilen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'spoil'.
Initially, it meant 'to strip or plunder,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'ruin' and 'indulge excessively.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
goods or property seized from a person or place, often in war.
The soldiers divided the spoils among themselves.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to damage or ruin something, making it less enjoyable or useful.
The rain spoiled our picnic.
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Verb 2
to treat someone too leniently or indulgently, often leading to negative effects.
They spoil their child by giving him everything he wants.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40