/ liːk; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
1.
to allow liquid or gas to get in or out through a small hole or crack :
[ v ]
a leaking pipe
The roof was leaking.
[ vn ]
The tank had leaked a small amount of water.
2.
[ v ] ( of a liquid or gas ) to get in or out through a small hole or crack in sth :
Water had started to leak into the cellar.
3.
[ vn ] leak sth (to sb) to give secret information to the public, for example by telling a newspaper
SYN disclose :
The contents of the report were leaked to the press.
a leaked document
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PHRASAL VERBS
- leak out
■ noun
1.
a small hole or crack that lets liquid or gas flow in or out of sth by accident :
a leak in the roof
a leak in the gas pipe
2.
liquid or gas that escapes through a hole in sth :
a gas leak
oil leaks / leaks of oil
3.
a deliberate act of giving secret information to the newspapers, etc. :
a leak to the press about the government plans on tax
4.
( slang ) an act of passing urine from the body :
to have / take a leak
•
IDIOMS
see spring verb
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : probably of Low German or Dutch origin and related to lack .