spoiler
spoiler Lexical Profile
spoiler Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A premature description or revelation of an important plot development in a book, film, television show, or video game that reduces surprise or suspense for someone experiencing it for the first time.
"The film critic included a warning at the top of the article so readers could avoid any major plot spoilers."
An aerodynamic device attached to the rear of a motor vehicle or the wing of an aircraft to disrupt airflow, either to increase downward traction at high speeds or to reduce lift and increase drag.
"The racing car was fitted with a carbon-fiber rear spoiler to improve stability around sharp corners."
A political candidate or sports competitor who has little chance of winning a contest themselves, but who draws enough votes or points away from a leading contender to cause their defeat.
"The independent candidate acted as a spoiler in the close gubernatorial election by splitting the conservative vote."
A person or thing that ruins, damages, or plunders something.
"Unseasonable rain proved to be the ultimate spoiler of the outdoor music festival."
• Rhymes for spoiler
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English as an agent noun from the verb 'spoil' (via Old French 'espoillier' and Latin 'spoliare', meaning 'to strip or plunder') combined with the suffix '-er'. Its aerodynamic sense emerged in aviation during the 1930s, while the media plot-revelation sense became popularized in the 1970s.