spare

¹spare

verb \ˈsper\

sparedspar·ing

Definition of SPARE

transitive verb

1

: to forbear to destroy, punish, or harm

2

: to refrain from attacking or reprimanding with necessary or salutary severity

3

: to relieve of the necessity of doing or undergoing something <spare yourself the trouble>

4

: to refrain from : avoid <spared no expense>

5

: to use or dispense frugally —used chiefly in the negative <don't spare the syrup>

6

a : to give up as not strictly needed <do you have any cash to spare> b : to have left over or as margin <time to spare>

intransitive verb

1

: to be frugal

2

: to refrain from doing harm

— spare·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective

— spar·er noun

Examples of SPARE

1. No one knows why the gunman shot some people and spared others.
2. Somehow the storm spared our house while nearby buildings were destroyed.
3. She was spared from having to answer any more questions.
4. He wanted to spare his family from the stress he had endured.
5. I could have spared myself the trouble.
6. He spared them the embarrassment of a public apology.
7. If you could spare a cup of sugar, it would save me a trip to the store.

Origin of SPARE

Middle English, from Old English sparian; akin to Old High German sparōn to spare, Old English spær, adjective, scant

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SPARE

Synonyms: nurse, scant, skimp (on), stint (on)

Antonyms: waste

Related Words: dole out, mete (out), portion (out), ration (out); pinch, shortchange; conserve, preserve

Near Antonyms: heap, lavish, pour, rain, shower

see all synonyms and antonyms

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