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

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

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

According to the report, the executives are in “active discussions” to scupper the vehicle.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 6, 2025

"You can't predict anything with Leicester City and you can't assume you are on any kind of trajectory, positive or negative, because they always scupper your expectations," Blakemore said.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2025

Kabuo went back and hosed the net gurry out the scupper holes.

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