Spoiling: meaning, definitions and examples

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spoiling

[ˈspɔɪlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

relationship

To diminish or destroy the quality or value of something by excessive generosity or indulgence.

Synonyms

damage, impair, ruin, undermine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spoiling	Use this when referring to something that is being excessively pampered or treated in a way that can lead to negative consequences. Giving a child everything they want can lead to spoiling them The milk is spoiling because it was left out of the fridge for too long
ruin	This word conveys a sense of completely destroying or rendering something unusable or worthless. The rain ruined our picnic plans She feared the scandal would ruin her reputation
damage	This is appropriate when referring to physical harm or destruction to an object or structure. The storm caused significant damage to the roof Make sure you handle the package carefully to avoid any damage
impair	Use this when referring to a decrease in function or ability, typically related to health or performance. Drinking alcohol can impair your ability to drive His vision is impaired due to the accident
undermine	Appropriate in situations where gradual weakening or sabotaging is involved, often related to authority, confidence, or stability. Gossiping about team members can undermine their trust His constant criticism undermined her confidence

Examples of usage

He was spoiling his children with expensive gifts.
She spoiled her partner by always giving in to his demands.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

food

To decay or rot prematurely.

Synonyms

decay, putrefy, rot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spoiling	Used when referring to the process of food or other perishable goods becoming unsuitable for consumption. It has a slightly negative connotation. The milk is spoiling because it has been left out in the sun. Fruits and vegetables can start spoiling if they are not stored properly.
rot	This is used for the process of organic matter breaking down, usually in food, plants, or wood. It can be negative or neutral but generally implies a more advanced stage than 'spoiling'. The apples started to rot after being left in the damp storage room. Wood can rot if it is exposed to water for an extended period.
decay	Commonly used for natural processes involving organic matter breaking down. It can be used for food, teeth, wood, etc. Generally has a neutral to slightly negative tone. Tooth decay is a common problem among children who eat a lot of sweets. The old house shows signs of decay in its wooden beams.
putrefy	Often used in a medical or scientific context to describe the process of decomposition, especially for animal tissue. It has a strong negative connotation. The carcass began to putrefy within a couple of days. If left untreated, the wound could putrefy and lead to a severe infection.

Examples of usage

The fruit started spoiling after a few days.
Be careful not to leave the milk out too long, or it will spoil.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'espoillier,' meaning to strip or rob, indicating a loss of something valuable.
Its roots in Latin 'spoliare' convey the concept of removing or taking away, linking to the idea of ruining.
In English, the term has evolved to encompass both physical decay as well as emotional harm.

Psychology

Spoiling can refer to giving too much to a child, leading to entitlement or behavioral issues later.
Research suggests that overly permissive parenting, often seen as 'spoiling,' can hinder a child's ability to cope with disappointment.
Psychologists note that the anticipation of loss (like from spoiled food) can trigger anxiety or stress in individuals.

Culinary Arts

Food spoilage primarily occurs due to the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Certain fruits produce ethylene gas, which can speed up the spoiling process of nearby produce, highlighting the importance of food storage.
Spoiling can also refer to fermentation, where food undergoes a transformation rather than simply becoming bad.

Literature

In literature, spoiling can symbolize the loss of innocence or the destruction of beauty, often through tragic events.
Many authors use the theme of spoiling to illustrate characters’ moral decline or the downfall of idyllic settings.
The concept appears frequently in classic fables, where characters learn hard lessons about taking things for granted.

Pop Culture

Spoiling has found a place in everyday conversation, especially in relation to movies, where revealing the ending before someone watches is frowned upon.
The 'spoiling' mindset is prevalent in gaming culture, where gamers often avoid leaks and strive for surprises in game releases.
Spoilers in media can lead to significant debates, with some viewers seeking to avoid them entirely to preserve the experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "spoiling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estragar

🇮🇳 बिगाड़ना

🇩🇪 verderben

🇮🇩 merusak

🇺🇦 псування

🇵🇱 psucie

🇯🇵 台無しにする (dai nashi ni suru)

🇫🇷 gâcher

🇪🇸 estropear

🇹🇷 bozmak

🇰🇷 망치다 (mangchida)

🇸🇦 إفساد (ifsad)

🇨🇿 kazit

🇸🇰 kaziť

🇨🇳 破坏 (pòhuài)

🇸🇮 pokvariti

🇮🇸 spilla

🇰🇿 бұзу

🇬🇪 გაფუჭება (gapucheba)

🇦🇿 korlamaq

🇲🇽 estropear

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,141, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19138 downy
19139 strangest
19140 ulterior
19141 spoiling
19142 exacerbate
19143 voicing
19144 reclaiming
...