spoil
verb (used with object)
to damage severely or harm (something), especially with reference to its excellence, value, usefulness, etc.: Drought spoiled the corn crop.
has spoilt
-
present perfectof spoil (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They are unused to praise and you catch them before the public has spoilt them.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 158, 1920-04-07 by Seaman, Owen, Sir
Mr. Wilde has preferred the senuous and hyperdecorative manner of "Mademoiselle de Maupin," and without Gautier's power, has spoilt a promising conception by clumsy unideal treatment.
From Oscar Wilde: Art and Morality A Defence of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Mason, Stuart
I got into a very bad scrape," Ronald answered, "a scrape that has spoilt my whole life; but we will not talk about that.
From The Curse of Carne's Hold A Tale of Adventure by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)
The trousseau has spoilt my trip to town.
From Charles Lever, His Life in His Letters, Vol. II by Downey, Edmund
"You think it has spoilt the Master's dinner?" he asked anxiously, with a glance towards the high table.
From Brother Copas by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir
