spoiler

plural spoilers

1. One who spoils; a plunderer; a pillager; a robber; a despoiler.
2. One who corrupts, mars, or renders useless.
3. A document, review or comment that discloses the ending or some key surprise or twist in a story, or the internal rules controlling the behaviour of a video game, etc.First known use 1970s

   Good netiquette dictates that one warn of spoilers before discussing them, so that readers who wish to do so may experience the surprises for themselves.

   2 more examples

   Devotees of ‘expanded universe’ books say they will publish spoilers of latest film online unless Disney studio agrees to film their favourite stories

   2015 December 16, Ben Child, “Rogue Star Wars fans threaten to ruin The Force Awakens via 'spoiler jihad'”, in The Guardian, archived from the original on 17 Sep 2021

   TV shows and movies are a rare form of atemporality, and in an ever-changing, always-on world, spoilers feel irrefutable — sheer access to them gives the illusion of control.

   2018 February 14, Jenna Wortham, “Letter of Recommendation: Spoilers”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 09 Dec 2020

4. aeronauticsA device to reduce lift and increase drag.
5. automotiveA device to reduce lift and increase downforce.
6. USgovernmentA competitor, unable to win themselves, who spoils the chances of another’s victory.

   Several experts do not believe Jorgensen was a Trump “spoiler” in 2020.

   2020 November 8, Victoria Bekiempis, “Was Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgensen a 'spoiler' for Trump?”, in The Guardian, archived from the original on 01 Mar 2021

   2 more examples

   The optimism at the opening of the talks could not be dampened even by a few spoilers.

   1994, Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela, London: Abacus, published 2010, page 713

   Shortly thereafter, came a torrent of nearly identical political fliers seemingly intended to siphon away support from Democratic candidates by tricking voters into casting their ballots for purported spoiler candidates who demonstrated no real interest in getting elected. […] Candidates for a state senate seat race in South Florida in which a spoiler appeared to help Republican challenger Ileana Garcia unseat incumbent Democrat Jose Javier Rodriguez.

   2020 November 23, Scott Glover, Curt Devine, Drew Griffin and Scott Bronstein, “A dark money mystery in Florida centers on the campaign of a spoiler candidate who appeared to help a Republican win by 32 votes”, in CNN, archived from the original on 25 Feb 2025

present singular third person spoilers · participle present spoilering · participle past spoilered · past spoilered

1. slangtransitivelifestyleTo mark (a document or message) with a spoiler warning, to prevent readers from accidentally learning details they would prefer not to know.
2. slangtransitivelifestyleTo tell (a person) details of how a story ends etc.

   I've been spoilered, so I doubt I'll be able to enjoy the final episode.