Spoil Meaning in English
word
Definition
To spoil something means to damage it, ruin it, or make it less good. It can also mean to treat someone too generously, especially a child, so they become used to getting everything they want.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns: 'spoil the food', 'spoil the movie/surprise', and 'spoil a child'. 'Spoil' often means ruining an experience, not only damaging a physical thing. In modern use, 'spoil' is also common in 'spoiler' contexts: 'Don't spoil the ending.'
Example Sentences
Don't spoil your dinner with too much candy.
basic
The hot weather can spoil the milk.
basic
They spoil their son by giving him everything he asks for.
basic
Come on, don't spoil the ending for me—I haven't seen it yet.
natural
I wanted it to be a surprise, but my brother spoiled it.
natural
Grandma loves to spoil the kids when they visit.
natural