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spoiler

n. · v.
US //ˈspɔɪɫɝ// UK //spˈɔɪlɐ// spoil·er
  1. 1 plot information (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    information about a movie, book, or game that tells you the ending or a big surprise before you see it yourself.

    a piece of information that reveals significant plot points, such as the ending or a major twist, potentially ruining the experience for a first-time viewer.

    Example

    I haven't seen the movie yet, so please don't give me any spoilers.

    Example

    The studio took extreme measures to prevent spoilers from leaking online before the global premiere of the final installment.
  2. 2 aerodynamic part (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    a part on a car or an airplane designed to change how air moves around it to improve speed or control.

    an aerodynamic device intended to modify air flow, typically to reduce lift and increase drag on aircraft or increase downforce on high-performance vehicles.

    Example

    The sports car has a large spoiler on the back to help it stay stable at high speeds.

    Example

    During the descent, the pilot deployed the spoilers to increase drag and manage the aircraft's airspeed more effectively.
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  1. 3 political or sports disruptor (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Sport

    a person or team that cannot win but prevents another person or team from winning.

    a candidate or competitor who has no realistic chance of winning but whose presence in the race draws enough votes or points away from a front-runner to cause their defeat.

    Example

    The third-party candidate acted as a spoiler in the election, causing the main favorite to lose.

    Example

    Political analysts argued that the independent candidate served as a spoiler, siphoning off critical votes in swing states and handing the victory to the opposition.
  2. 4 to reveal plot points (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Slang

    to tell someone the ending of a story or show before they have seen it.

    to disclose the resolution or key plot developments of a narrative to someone who has not yet experienced it.

    Example

    Stop talking about the finale because you are going to spoiler it for everyone else.

    Example

    Social media users often use specific tags to ensure they do not accidentally spoiler the latest episode for international fans in different time zones.
Origin

From spoil + -er.

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