scupper

¹

[skuhp-er]

noun

1. Nautical.,  a drain at the edge of a deck exposed to the weather, for allowing accumulated water to drain away into the sea or into the bilges.

2. a drain, closed by one or two flaps, for allowing water from the sprinkler system of a factory or the like to run off a floor of the building to the exterior.

3. any opening in the side of a building, as in a parapet, for draining off rainwater.

scupper

²

[skuhp-er]

verb (used with object)

1. Informal.,  to prevent from happening or succeeding; ruin; wreck.

   The snowstorm scuppered our plans for the evening.

2. British.,  to sink (a vessel) deliberately; scuttle.

scupper

¹

/ ˈskʌpə /

noun

1. nautical a drain or spout allowing water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard

2. an opening in the side of a building for draining off water

3. a drain in a factory floor for running off the water from a sprinkler system

scupper

²

/ ˈskʌpə /

verb

1. slang,  to overwhelm, ruin, or disable

2. to sink (one's ship) deliberately

Word History and Origins

Origin of scupper¹

First recorded in 1475–85; Middle English skopor, scopper; further origin uncertain

Origin of scupper²

First recorded in 1880–85; originally British military slang “to massacre, slaughter”; further origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of scupper¹

C15 skopper, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to _scoop

Origin of scupper²

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Cloudy skies have of course scuppered many a great night of stargazing.

From BBC

But defeat in the Carabao Cup has scuppered one possible route back into Europe.

From BBC

But the plans were scuppered over a dispute about what role President Hichilema would play.

From BBC

The Rural West ward councillor said he did not want progress made during his time as leader "scuppered nor lost".

From BBC

It was a situation the Gunners feared could scupper their plan to sign Zubimendi, despite the agreement struck by all parties that the player would join this summer.

From BBC