spare

Spare means to treat someone with mercy, avoid using something or save someone from something.

(verb)

An example of spare is the governor calling off a prisoner's execution.

Spare is defined as something that is not in regular use or is extra.

(adjective)

The definition of a spare is something extra in case it is needed.

(noun)

An example of spare is making a second turkey for the dinner.

See spare in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb spared, sparing

to treat with mercy or leniency; refrain from killing, injuring, troubling, or distressing; save
to save or free a person from (something): to spare someone trouble
to refrain from, omit, avoid using, or use frugally: to spare no effort
to give up the use or possession of; part with or give up conveniently: able to spare a cup of sugar

Origin: ME sparien < OE sparian, akin to spær, thrifty, Ger sparen, to save: see space

intransitive verb

noun

a spare, or extra, part, thing, etc.
☆ Bowling
1. the act of knocking down all the pins with two consecutive rolls of the ball
2. a score so made

Related Forms:

See spare in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb spared spared, spar·ing, spares

verb, transitive

To refrain from treating harshly; treat mercifully or leniently.
To refrain from harming or destroying.
To save or relieve from experiencing or doing (something): spared herself the trouble of going.
To hold back from; withhold or avoid: spared no expense for the celebration.
To use with restraint: Don't spare the mustard.
To give or grant out of one's resources; afford: Can you spare ten minutes?

verb, intransitive

adjective spar·er, spar·est

a. Kept in reserve: a spare part; a spare pair of sneakers.
b. Being in excess of what is needed; extra. See Synonyms at superfluous.
c. Free for other use; unoccupied: spare time.
a. Not lavish, abundant, or excessive: a spare diet.
b. Lean and trim. See Synonyms at lean².
Not profuse or copious.

noun

A replacement, especially a tire, reserved for future need.
Sports
a. The act of knocking down all ten pins with two successive rolls of a bowling ball.
b. The score so made.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English sparen

Origin: , from Old English sparian

Related Forms: