Collins English-English Dictionary

spoil [spɔɪl]

1. 1. vt. [tr] to cause damage to (something), in regard to its value, beauty, usefulness, etc

2. 2. vt. [tr] to weaken the character of (a child) by complying unrestrainedly with its desires

3. 3. vi. [intr] (of perishable substances) to become unfit for consumption or use

   the fruit must be eaten before it spoils

4. 4. vi. [intr] [sport] to disrupt the play or style of an opponent, as to prevent him from settling into a rhythm

5. 5. vi. [archaic] to strip (a person or place) of (property or goods) by force or violence

6. 6. n waste material thrown up by an excavation

7. 7. n any treasure accumulated by a person

   this gold ring was part of the spoil

8. 8. n [obsolete] the act of plundering

9. 9. n a strategically placed building, city, etc, captured as plunder

10. 10. n See also spoils

11. 11. n [Etymology] C13: from Old French espoillier, from Latin spoliare to strip, from spolium booty