EnglishMain Dictionary
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.
