Meaning of leak in English

1. Pronunciation

   /lik/

   US accent

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   leak

   Etymology

   late Middle English: probably of Low German or Dutch origin and related to lack

   Definitions

   1. tell anonymously

   Examples

   • « The news were leaked to the paper »
2. 2. be leaked

   Examples

   • « The news leaked out despite his secrecy »
3. 3. enter or escape as through a hole or crack or fissure

   Examples

   • « Water leaked out of the can into the backpack »
   • « Gas leaked into the basement »
4. 4. have an opening that allows light or substances to enter or go out

   Examples

   • « The container leaked gasoline »
   • « the roof leaks badly »

5. Noun

   leak

   Definitions

   1. an accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape

   Examples

   • « one of the tires developed a leak »
6. 2. soft watery rot in fruits and vegetables caused by fungi
7. 3. a euphemism for urination

   Examples

   • « he had to take a leak »
8. 4. the unwanted discharge of a fluid from some container

   Examples

   • « they tried to stop the escape of gas from the damaged pipe »
   • « he had to clean up the leak »
9. 5. unauthorized (especially deliberate) disclosure of confidential information