Scotch (verb)

1. To put an end to something, to stop it from happening or continuing.
2. To frustrate or prevent the success of something or someone.
3. To damage or spoil something or someone.

Origin:

From old english scotian, from proto-germanic *skutijaną (compare west frisian skoetsje, dutch schotelen, german schützen), from proto-germanic *skutaz ("protected"), from proto-indo-european *(s)keud- ("to shake, push, hit").

Examples:

1. The company scotched the merger.
2. He scotched the plans for the new project.
3. She scotched her own career with her poor attitude.
4. The rain scotched our picnic plans.
5. The rumor was scotched by the official statement.