leak
(l
k)
KEY
VERB:
leaked
,
leak·ing
,
leaks
VERB:
intr.
- To permit the escape, entry, or passage of something through a breach or flaw:
rusted pipes that were beginning to leak; a boat leaking at the seams.
- To escape or pass through a breach or flaw:
helium leaking slowly from the balloon.
-
Informal
To become publicly known through a breach of secrecy:
The news has leaked.
VERB:
tr.
- To permit (a substance) to escape or pass through a breach or flaw:
a damaged reactor leaking radioactivity into the atmosphere.
-
Informal
To disclose without authorization or official sanction:
leaked classified information to a reporter.
NOUN:
- A crack or flaw that permits something to escape from or enter a container or conduit:
fixed the leak in the roof.
-
- The act or instance of leaking.
- An amount leaked:
equipment used in cleaning up oil leaks.
-
Informal
An unauthorized or a deliberate disclosure of confidential information:
"Sometimes we can't respond to stories based on leaks"
(Ronald Reagan).
-
- Loss of electric current as a result of faulty insulation.
- The path or place at which this loss takes place.
IDIOM:
take a leak
Vulgar Slang
- To urinate.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English
leken, probably from Middle Dutch
lken
OTHER FORMS:
leak
er
(Noun)
