Spoils - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Spoils refers to goods or benefits taken by force, especially in war, or rewards gained through victory. It can also mean the act of ruining something’s value or enjoyment.
Definition:
Goods taken from an enemy in war, or benefits gained unfairly.
Synonyms:
Loot, plunder, booty, prizes, gains
Part of Speech:
Noun, verb
Antonyms:
Losses, rewards
Common Collocations:
Spoils of war, spoils system, divide the spoils
Derivatives:
Spoiler, spoiled, spoiling
Usage Tips:
Use "spoils" as a plural noun for stolen goods or as a verb meaning to ruin something.
Common Phrases:
To the victor go the spoils, spoil for choice
Etymology:
From Old French *espoillier*, meaning "to strip or plunder," from Latin *spoliare*.
Examples:
- 1. The pirates divided the spoils among themselves after raiding the ship.
- 2. Overwatering can spoil the plants and cause root rot.
- 3. The general kept the spoils of war as trophies.
- 4. Don’t let one mistake spoil your entire day.