leak

Universal Words verb, noun verb 1 to allow liquid or gas to get in or out through a small hole or crack: [V] a leaking pipe * The roof was leaking. * [VN] The tank had leaked a small amount of water. 2 [V] (of a liquid or gas) to get in or out through a small hole or crack in sth: Water had started to leak into the cellar. 3 [VN] ~ sth (to sb) to give secret information to the public, for example by telling a newspaper: The contents of the report were leaked to the press. * a leaked document PHRASALVERBS leak out (of secret information) to become known to the public: Details of the plan soon leaked out. noun 1 a small hole or crack that lets liquid or gas flow in or out of sth by accident: a leak in the roof * a leak in the gas pipe 2 liquid or gas that escapes through a hole in sth: a gas / radiation leak * oil leaks / leaks of oil 3 a deliberate act of giving secret information to the newspapers, etc: a leak to the press about the government plans on tax * There will be an inquiry into the alleged security leaks. 4 (slang) an act of passing URINE from the body: to have / take a leak IDIOMS see SPRINGv.