Spill

Definition

A spill typically refers to the act of causing or allowing liquid to flow over the edge of its container. It may also denote the liquid that has been spilled. In a broader sense, it can refer to revealing information accidentally or impulsively.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /spɪl/
• Respelling: SPILL (with "SPILL" rhyming with "bill" and "hill")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /spɪl/
• Respelling: SPILL (similar to American English, with "SPILL" rhyming with "bill" and "hill")

In both dialects, "spill" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, as in "bill" or "hill." The pronunciation of "spill" is consistent between American and British English, clearly reflecting the word's simple and direct phonetic structure.

Etymology

The word "spill" comes from the Old English 'spillan', which means "to kill, waste," which is a derivative from the Proto-Germanic *spiljan (cf. Old High German spillon "to split, break," Old Norse spilla "to destroy," Middle Dutch spillen "to waste"). The meaning "let (liquid) fall or run out" dates from about 1300 AD.

Derivatives

• Spillage
• Spiller
• Unspilled
• Overspill
• Spillway

Synonyms

• Overflow
• Leak
• Discharge

Antonyms

• Contain
• Retain
• Hold

Usage

The word "spill" is used predominantly to describe accidental or deliberate overflow of liquids. It's also used in a conversational context to mean accidentally revealing information or "spilling the beans." Additionally, it is used in environmental contexts to describe the unintentional release of substances into the environment, as in an oil spill.

Related Terms

• Spill-proof
• Spillway
• Spillover

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Liquid Overflow: To allow or cause liquid to flow over the edge of its container.
• Example: "Be careful not to spill the milk while pouring."

• Reveal Information: To disclose information accidentally or impulsively.
• Example: "She spilled all the details about the surprise party."

Noun

• Overflowed Liquid: The liquid that has flowed over the edge of its container.
• Example: "There's a spill on the kitchen floor."

• Unintentional Release: An instance of releasing substances, especially hazardous, into the environment.
• Example: "The oil spill caused significant damage to the marine ecosystem."