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

Costs have scuppered that dream to date, but perhaps the opportunity of a fairytale ending for an Irish icon will be bring one last dream to fruition.

From BBC

Consecutive, emphatic defeats by Scotland and Ireland, which followed a 12-game winning streak, have scuppered England's hopes of a first Six Nations title in six years.

From Barron's

England were on a 12-Test winning run until consecutive defeats by Scotland and Ireland scuppered their Championship title hopes.

From Barron's

There's also no overstating the frustration of royal officials at the way that Andrew has kept scuppering their plans.

From BBC

The Covid-19 pandemic scuppered a previous target to finish the work this year, depriving the basilica of crucial income from ticket sales.

From Barron's