I. ˈsēp intransitive verb
Etymology: alteration of earlier sipe, from Middle English sipen, from Old English sipian; akin to Middle Low German sipen to seep
Date: 1790
1. : to flow or pass slowly through fine pores or small openings : ooze
water seep ed in through a crack
2.
a. : to enter or penetrate slowly
fear of nuclear war had seep ed into the national consciousness — Tip O'Neill
b. : to become diffused or spread
a sadness seep ed through his being — Agnes S. Turnbull
II. noun
Date: 1824
1.
a. : a spot where a fluid (as water, oil, or gas) contained in the ground oozes slowly to the surface and often forms a pool
b. : a small spring
2. : seepage
• seepy ˈsē-pē adjective