leak (B2)

noun/verb

Pronunciation: /liːk/

Definition

An accidental or unintentional escape of a substance, especially a liquid or gas, from a container or pipe, or the hole through which this escape occurs.

Examples

• The constant drip from the faucet was caused by a tiny leak in the pipe.

• We discovered a gas leak in the kitchen and immediately opened all the windows.

• The submarine had to surface because of a leak in its hull.

How to Use leak

leak out (phrasal verb)

To become known, especially secret information, usually unintentionally. — "News of the scandal began to leak out to the public."

leak from (prepositional phrase)

To escape from a particular place or container. — "The oil began to leak from the damaged tanker."

leak into (prepositional phrase)

To enter a place, especially water, through a hole or crack. — "Rainwater started to leak into the basement."

leak of (prepositional phrase)

Used with nouns like 'information', 'data', 'documents' to specify what was revealed. — "The investigation focused on the leak of confidential documents."

Synonyms of leak

Words with a similar meaning to leak:

• escape
• seepage
• breach
• disclosure

Antonyms of leak

Words with the opposite meaning to leak:

• seal
• containment

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