Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hinged airfoil on an aircraft wing: A device on the upper surface of an aircraft wing that can be raised to disrupt airflow, reducing lift and increasing drag, often used to slow the aircraft or aid in descent.
   • An airfoil on a vehicle: A device, typically mounted on the rear of a car, designed to reduce lift and improve stability at high speeds by disrupting airflow.
   • A person who indulges excessively: Someone who spoils another person, especially a child, by being overly permissive or generous.
   • A person who takes plunder: Someone who seizes goods or property by force, especially in the context of war or looting.
   • A candidate affecting an election: A person who runs for office with no realistic chance of winning but whose presence in the race may draw votes away from a leading candidate, potentially changing the outcome.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Aircraft/Vehicle Part):
  • The pilot deployed the spoiler to help the plane descend more rapidly.
  • The sports car has a large rear spoiler for better downforce.
• Noun (Person who indulges):
  • His grandfather is such a spoiler, always buying him expensive toys.
• Noun (Person who takes plunder):
  • The invaders were seen as spoilers, looting the village.
• Noun (Election candidate):
  • The third-party candidate acted as a spoiler, splitting the conservative vote.

Advanced Usage

• "Spoiler alert": A warning given before revealing key plot details of a movie, book, or TV show, to prevent spoiling the experience for others who have not yet seen or read it.
  • Spoiler alert: I'm about to reveal the ending of the film.

Variants and Related Words

• Spoil (verb): To diminish or destroy the value, quality, or pleasure of something; to decay or become unfit for use; to treat someone with excessive indulgence.
• Spoils (noun, plural): Goods or benefits seized by the victors in war or through political power.

Synonyms

• For the indulgent person: Indulger, pamperer.
• For the plunderer: Looter, pillager, marauder.
• For the candidate: Protest candidate, fringe candidate.

Related Phrases

• To play the spoiler: To act in a way that ruins plans or outcomes for others.
  • The underdog team played the spoiler, defeating the championship favorites.

Noun

1. a hinged airfoil on the upper surface of an aircraft wing that is raised to reduce lift and increase drag
2. an airfoil mounted on the rear of a car to reduce lift at high speeds
3. someone who pampers or spoils by excessive indulgence
4. someone who takes spoils or plunder (as in war)
5. a candidate with no chance of winning but who may draw enough votes to prevent one of the leading candidates from winning