spoil
verb (used with object)
to damage severely or harm (something), especially with reference to its excellence, value, usefulness, etc.: Drought spoiled the corn crop.
spoiling
-
present participleof spoil.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Sepinwall recalled how, back when “The Sopranos” first aired in the late 1990s and 2000s, most people were watching it at the same time, making it easier to avoid spoiling who got whacked.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
For entertainment journalists who watch everything, spoiling surprises is a casualty of the job.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
“I think it kind of gets to what makes you good as an offense,” manager Dave Roberts said, “and that’s what makes us good: earning pitches, winning counts, spoiling pitches, those kinds of things.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
Carling, MP for the North West Cambridgeshire constituency, which includes Holme Fen, said: "This isn't about spoiling anyone's fun; it's about recognising that conditions right now make fireworks and disposable barbecues genuinely dangerous."
From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026
“And no good can ever come from spoiling a child like that, Charlie, you mark my words.”
From "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl
