- 1[transitive] spoil something to change something good into something bad, unpleasant, useless, etc. synonym ruin Our camping trip was spoiled by bad weather. Don't let him spoil your evening. The tall buildings have spoiled the view. Don't eat too many nuts—you'll spoil your appetite (= will no longer be hungry at the proper time to eat). I won't tell you what happens in the last chapter—I don't want to spoil it for you.
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- 2[transitive] spoil somebody to give a child everything that they ask for and not enough discipline in a way that has a bad effect on their character and behavior synonym overindulge She spoils those kids of hers.
- 3[transitive] spoil somebody/yourself to make someone/yourself happy by doing something special Why not spoil yourself with a weekend in a top hotel? He really spoiled me on my birthday.
- 4[intransitive] (of food) to become bad so that it can no longer be eaten Idioms
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NAmE//spɔɪl//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they spoil he / she / it spoils
past simple spoiled
(British English also) past simple spoilt
-ing form spoiling
to want to fight with someone very much
if too many people are involved in doing something, it will not be done well
Check pronunciation: spoil