leak
leak / lēk/ • v. [intr.] (of a container or covering) accidentally lose or admit contents, esp. liquid or gas, through a hole or crack: the roof leaked [as adj.] (leaking) a leaking gutter [tr.] the drums were leaking an unidentified liquid. ∎ (of liquid, gas, etc.) pass in or out through a hole or crack in such a way: water kept leaking in. ∎ fig. (of secret information) become known: the news leaked out. ∎ [tr.] intentionally disclose (secret information): who had a motive to leak the story? [as adj.] (leaked) a leaked government document. • n. a hole in a container or covering through which contents, esp. liquid or gas, may accidentally pass: I checked all of the pipes for leaks. ∎ the action of leaking in such a way: the leak of fluid may occur a gas leak. ∎ a similar escape of electric charge or current. ∎ an intentional disclosure of secret information: one of the employees was responsible for the leak.PHRASES: take a leak inf. urinate.DERIVATIVES: leak·er n.