French Conversation · Level 107
58 words
French word
ruiner
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁɥine/
Meaning
- verbspoil
Example
Ne laisse pas la pluie ruiner la fête.
Don't let the rain spoil the party.
More examples
Les dettes peuvent ruiner quelqu'un.
Debts can bankrupt someone.
Core concept
A person, business, or valued thing is brought down so far that recovery or useful enjoyment is no longer possible.
Common phrases
ruiner quelqu'un
bankrupt someone
ruiner la fête
ruin the party
ruiner l'ambiance
ruin the atmosphere
Similar words
gâcher: To spoil enjoyment or a pleasant atmosphere.
abîmer: To damage an object's appearance or function.
détruire: To destroy an object or building completely.
compromettre: To put safety or trust at risk and weaken it.
Definition in French
Rendre quelque chose inutilisable ou sans valeur au point qu'on ne peut plus en profiter, ou provoquer la faillite d'une personne ou d'une entreprise.
Word origin
Ruiner developed from ruine, a word inherited through French from Latin ruīna and related to the verb ruere, meaning to fall or collapse.
Usage tips
- With a person as the object, ruiner quelqu'un can mean causing serious financial ruin, not merely upsetting that person.