scupper

¹ American  

[skuhp-er] / ˈskʌp ər /

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.

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scupper ² American  

[skuhp-er] / ˈskʌp ər /

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.

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scupper ¹ British  

/ 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

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scupper ² British  

/ ˈskʌpə /

verb

1. slang to overwhelm, ruin, or disable

2. to sink (one's ship) deliberately

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Etymology

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

Example Sentences

Agents may also worry that lower fees send the wrong signal: that a property is unloved, lacks demand or harbors hidden flaws — the kind of perceptions that can help scupper a sale.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Replying to a post on X speculating that West Ham's alleged stance could scupper London's bid, Olympic 800m champion Hodgkinson saw the funny side.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Chelsea come from behind twice to scupper 10-man Wrexham's hopes of a giant-killing in a thrilling FA Cup fifth-round tie.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

That would scupper hopes of China peaking emissions earlier than a 2030 target, something analysts say could easily be achieved.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Kabuo stood on the edge of the hatch cover and washed gull droppings out the scupper holes.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson