Definition

To become bad or unusable, especially food that has gone bad due to decay.

Example

If you leave the milk out too long, it will spoil.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I forgot to check the fridge yesterday, and now I think some food might spoil.

Oh no! What did you leave in there?

Just some leftovers and a couple of fruits that could easily spoil.

You should probably toss them out before they get worse.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A term used to describe goods or property taken from someone, often after a conflict or victory. It can also refer to benefits gained by a winner in a competition or political context.

Example

The general proudly displayed the spoil of war in the museum.

Conversation

Did you hear about the old castle they found?

Yeah, I heard they’re digging it up for the spoil inside.

I wonder what kind of treasures they might find as spoil from that excavation.

Definition

To damage something or make it less good, often by treating it too kindly or allowing it to go bad.

Example

If you leave the milk out too long, it will spoil.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think giving kids too many treats can really spoil them.

Yeah, they might start expecting it all the time.

Exactly! It’s better to keep things balanced.

Root Explanation

Spoil → It originates from Old French *espoillier* (meaning to plunder or strip), which in turn comes from the Latin *spoliare* (meaning to strip or rob). The word 'spoil' refers to the act of taking or damaging something, often in a destructive manner.

Memory Tip

Think of the idea of 'stripping away' or 'plundering' something, which helps you remember that to spoil means to damage or ruin.

Visually Confused Words