scupper

¹ American  

[skuhp-er] / ˈskʌp ər /

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.

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.

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scupper ² American  

[skuhp-er] / ˈskʌp ər /

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.

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scupper ¹ British  

/ 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

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scupper ² British  

/ ˈskʌpə /

verb

1. slang to overwhelm, ruin, or disable

2. to sink (one's ship) deliberately

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Etymology

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

Example Sentences

That would scupper hopes of China peaking emissions earlier than a 2030 target, something analysts say could easily be achieved.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

His lack of action under Alonso, should it continue, may scupper hopes of working his way back into Ancelotti's Brazil plans in time for the summer.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 2025

According to the report, the executives are in “active discussions” to scupper the vehicle.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 6, 2025

Opposition to deep-sea mining has been fierce enough to scupper entire companies.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2025

Kabuo watched for one long moment—an occasional fish flaring at the gills or jerking—then pulled the hatch cover over them and sprayed sea slime out the scupper holes.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson