scupper
1 Americannoun
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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.
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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.
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any opening in the side of a building, as in a parapet, for draining off rainwater.
noun
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nautical a drain or spout allowing water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard
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an opening in the side of a building for draining off water
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a drain in a factory floor for running off the water from a sprinkler system
verb
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slang to overwhelm, ruin, or disable
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to sink (one's ship) deliberately
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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
His lack of action under Alonso, should it continue, may scupper hopes of working his way back into Ancelotti's Brazil plans in time for the summer.
From BBC • Nov. 10, 2025
According to the report, the executives are in “active discussions” to scupper the vehicle.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 6, 2025
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
