Definition of leak
intransitive verb
1a : to enter or escape through an opening usually by a fault or mistake fumes leak inb : to let a substance or light in or out through an opening The roof was leaking.
2a : to become known despite efforts at concealment confidential information leaked outb : to be the source of an information leak
transitive verb
1 : to permit to enter or escape through or as if through a leak The roof leaks water.
2 : to give out (information) surreptitiously leaked the story to the press
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Examples of leak in a Sentence
The boat was leaking water.
The cracked pipe leaked fumes into the room.
Fumes leaked through the crack in the pipe.
Air leaked out of the tire.
Water was leaking through a hole in the roof.
Someone leaked the story to the press.
Origin and Etymology of leak
Middle English leken, liken, from or akin to Middle Dutch leken; akin to Old English hlec leaky, Old High German zelehhan, Old Norse leka to leak and probably to Old English leccan to moisten, Middle Irish legaid it melts
First Known Use: 14th century
leak
Definition of leak
1a : a crack or hole that usually by mistake admits or lets escapeb : something that permits the admission or escape of something else usually with prejudicial effect
2 : the act, process, or an instance of leaking
3 sometimes vulgar : an act of urinating —used especially in the phrase take a leak
Examples of leak in a Sentence
The boat had developed a bad leak.
The landlord said he would fix the leak in the roof.
a slow leak of the chemical
When a reporter revealed classified information, the source of the leak was investigated.
Security is high because of a fear of leaks before negotiations have been finished.
Origin and Etymology of leak
see 1leak
First Known Use: 15th century
LEAK Defined for English Language Learners
leak
playDefinition of leak for English Language Learners
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: to let something (such as a liquid or gas) in or out through a hole in a surface
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of a liquid, gas, etc. : to come in or go out through a hole in a surface
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: to give (secret information) to someone so that it becomes known to the public
leak
Definition of leak for English Language Learners
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: a hole in a surface that lets something (such as a liquid or gas) pass in or out
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: an occurrence in which something (such as a liquid or gas) passes through a hole in a surface
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: a situation in which people learn about information that is supposed to be secret
LEAK Defined for Kids
Definition of leak for Students
leaked
;leaking
1 : to enter or escape or let enter or escape through an opening usually by accident Fumes were leaking in.
2 : to let a substance or light in or out through an opening The roof was leaking.
3 : to make or become known Don't leak this secret.
Definition of leak for Students
1 : a crack or hole that accidentally lets something pass in or out I fixed the boat's leak.
2 : the accidental or secret passing of information a security leak
3 : an act or instance of leaking a slow leak
Learn More about leak
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See words that rhyme with leak Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for leak Spanish Central: Translation of leak Nglish: Translation of leak for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of leak for Arabic speakers
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