scupper

¹

[ skuhp-er ]

noun

1. Nautical. a drain at the edge of a deck exposed to the weather, for allowing accumulated water to drain away into the sea or into the bilges. Compare freeing port.
2. a drain, closed by one or two flaps, for allowing water from the sprinkler system of a factory or the like to run off a floor of the building to the exterior.
3. any opening in the side of a building, as in a parapet, for draining off rainwater.

scupper

²

[ skuhp-er ]

verb (used with object)

1. Informal. to prevent from happening or succeeding; ruin; wreck:

   The snowstorm scuppered our plans for the evening.

2. British. to sink (a vessel) deliberately; scuttle.

scupper

¹

/ ˈskʌpə /

verb

1. slang.
   to overwhelm, ruin, or disable
2. to sink (one's ship) deliberately

scupper

²

/ ˈskʌpə /

noun

1. nautical a drain or spout allowing water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard
2. an opening in the side of a building for draining off water
3. a drain in a factory floor for running off the water from a sprinkler system

Word History and Origins

Origin of scupper¹

First recorded in 1475–85; Middle English skopor, scopper; further origin uncertain

Origin of scupper²

First recorded in 1880–85; originally British military slang “to massacre, slaughter”; further origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of scupper¹

C19: of unknown origin

Origin of scupper²

C15 skopper, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to scoop

Example Sentences

Dr Breadsworth, however, notes that former Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May tried to bolster ties with Africa, but her efforts were "scuppered" after she resigned in 2019 following turmoil in the then governing party.

From BBC

The documents claimed Hamas was planning to smuggle Israeli hostages to Egypt - intent on scuppering any proposed ceasefire deal.

From BBC

It presented England with a completely different challenge to the one they faced two years ago on the same grounds, and scuppered the Bazballistics that had won four consecutive Tests in this country.

From BBC

In "exceptional cases" this information might scupper a deal, though she believes it is more likely the buyer would ask the seller to compensate them for any losses that might come from the alleged behaviour.

From BBC

When the executive returned in January 2020, Covid quickly came to dominate business and scuppered any chance of a programme for government being agreed.

From BBC