Leak

Definition

A hole or crack through which a liquid or gas can flow out unintentionally.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /liːk/
• Respelling: LEEK (with "LEEK" as in "seek")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /liːk/
• Respelling: LEEK (with "LEEK" as in "seek")

In both dialects, "leak" places the primary stress on the entire word, "LEEK." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "LEEK."

Etymology

Derived from the Old Norse word "leka" meaning "to drip". Over time, it evolved into the Middle English term "lek", which ultimately became the modern English word "leak".

Derivatives

• Leakage
• Leaky
• Leaker
• Leakproof
• Leakiness

Synonyms

• Seepage
• Spill
• Drip

Antonyms

• Seal
• Plug
• Stoppage

Usage

Leaks can occur in various contexts, such as plumbing, gas pipelines, information security, and more. It implies an unintended or unauthorized escape of a substance or information.

Related Terms

• Spill: To cause or allow liquid to flow over the edge of its container.
• Seepage: The slow escape of a liquid or gas through porous material or small holes.
• Breach: An act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct, which can include leaks.

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Leak (Noun): A hole or crack through which liquid, gas, or other substance escapes unintentionally.
  • Example: "There is a leak in the roof that needs to be fixed immediately."

• Leak (Noun): The act of leaking or the condition of something that leaks.
  • Example: "The leak in the gas pipe caused a serious explosion."

• Leak (Noun): An unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.
  • Example: "The leak of the classified documents caused a major scandal."

Verb

• Leak (Verb): To allow liquid, gas, or other substance to escape through a hole or crack.
  • Example: "The tank is leaking oil."

• Leak (Verb): To escape or pass through a hole or crack, as liquid, gas, etc.
  • Example: "Water began to leak from the ceiling."

• Leak (Verb): To disclose confidential information without authorization.
  • Example: "Someone leaked the confidential report to the press."