spoils
/spɔɪlz/ · spoil·s
noun
- That which is taken from another by violence; especially, the plunder taken from an enemy; booty. The army returned home laden with spoils from the conquered city.
- Public offices and their benefits regarded as the peculiar property of a successful party or faction, to be bestowed for its own advantage. In the 19th‑century United States, the winning party claimed the spoils of government.
verb
- To strip (someone who has been killed or defeated) of their arms or armour. The victorious soldiers spoils the fallen foes of their weapons.
- To strip or deprive (someone) of their possessions; to rob, despoil. Bandits spoils the village of its valuables.
- To plunder, pillage (a city, country etc.). The marauders spoils the town, leaving nothing untouched.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The phrase ‘to the victor belong the spoils’ gave its name to the 19th‑century American ‘spoils system’, where political supporters were rewarded with government jobs.