Scupper
WordNet
noun
(1) Drain that allows water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard
verb
(2) Put in a dangerous, disadvantageous, or difficult position
(3) Wait in hiding to attack
WiktionaryText
Noun
- A drainage hole on the deck of a ship.
- A similar opening in a wall or parapet that allows water to drain from a roof.
Verb
- Thwart or destroy, especially something belonging or pertaining to another; cf. .
- The bad media coverage scuppered his chances of being elected.
- 2002, Hugo Young, The Guardian (2 Jul)
- "We can't allow US tantrums to scupper global justice"