spoiler

[ spoi-ler ]

noun

1. a person or thing that spoils.
2. a person who robs or ravages; despoiler; plunderer.
3. Aeronautics. a device used to break up the airflow around an aerodynamic surface, as an aircraft wing, in order to slow the movement through the air or to decrease the lift on the surface and, as a result, provide bank or descent control.
4. Automotive. a similar device for changing the airflow past a moving vehicle, often having the form of a transverse fin or blade mounted at the front or rear to reduce lift and increase traction at high speeds.
5. Sports. a team out of final contention that defeats a potential or favored contender and thereby thwarts its chances of winning a championship.
6. any competitor, entrant, or candidate who has no chance of ultimate victory but does well enough to spoil the chances of another.
7. information about a plot or event in a movie, book, or show that may spoil the suspense or surprise:

   Spoilers were leaked before the movie was released. Spoiler alert! Do not read further if you haven't already seen the season finale.

spoiler

/ ˈspɔɪlə /

noun

1. plunderer or robber
2. a person or thing that causes spoilage or corruption
3. See air brake
   a device fitted to an aircraft wing to increase drag and reduce lift. It is usually extended into the airflow to assist descent and banking Compare air brake
4. a similar device fitted to a car
5. sport a competitor who adopts spoiling tactics, as in boxing
6. a magazine, newspaper, etc produced specifically to coincide with the production of a rival magazine, newspaper, etc in order to divert public interest and reduce its sales

Word History and Origins

Origin of spoiler¹

First recorded in 1525–35; spoil + -er ¹

Example Sentences

No spoilers, but it’s a rom-com set in New York during the holiday season.

From Vox

We will have some spoilers ahead, so we urge you to watch the show, if you’re interested.

From Nautilus

Sure, they missed the holidays — but at least that prevented spoilers.

From Washington Post

In the end—I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say—this particular catastrophe calls for some nontraditional survival tools.

From Outside Online

This inspiring list is worth spending some time with, and I don’t want to be the spoiler.

From Fortune

Spoiler: you may think twice before getting another Grande Chestnut Praline Latte.

From The Daily Beast

Spoiler Alert: Do not read if you haven't seen season five episode eight of  The Walking Dead, “Coda”

From The Daily Beast

The second half of Interstellar is basically one giant SPOILER ALERT, so forgive the nebulousness.

From The Daily Beast

A new study claims that “spoiler” is no longer a dirty word.

From The Daily Beast

I guess I put [one of his legends; spoiler redacted] to rest.

From The Daily Beast

A grievous vision is told me: he that is unfaithful dealeth unfaithfully: and he that is a spoiler, spoileth.

From Project Gutenberg

Strangest perhaps of all, if genuine, is the charm that has preserved all these treasures from the spoiler.

From Project Gutenberg

Fortunately, thus far, the Mondino Tablet has escaped the spoiler.

From Project Gutenberg

Expert electrician, mechanic, sport spoiler and bruiser, eh?

From Project Gutenberg

No children have we to lament, no wives to wail our fall; The traitor's and the spoiler's hand have reft our hearths of all.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• criminal
• marauder