spoiler

Etymology

From spoil + -er.

noun

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.
   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.
   Devotees of ‘expanded universe’ books say they will publish spoilers of latest film online unless Disney studio agrees to film their favourite stories 2015-12-16, Ben Child, “Rogue Star Wars fans threaten to ruin The Force Awakens via 'spoiler jihad'”, in The Guardian
   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. 2018-02-14, Jenna Wortham, “Letter of Recommendation: Spoilers”, in The New York Times, →ISSN
4. (aeronautics) A device to reduce lift and increase drag.
5. (automotive) A device to reduce lift and increase downforce.
6. (US, chiefly politics, sports) An individual (or organisation etc.), unable to win themselves, who spoils the chances of another's victory.
   Several experts do not believe Jorgensen was a Trump “spoiler” in 2020. 2020-11-08, Victoria Bekiempis, “Was Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgensen a 'spoiler' for Trump?”, in The Guardian

verb

1. (transitive, fandom slang) To mark (a document or message) with a spoiler warning, to prevent readers from accidentally learning details they would prefer not to know.
2. (transitive, fandom slang) To 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.