Leak: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the unauthorized release of confidential information or physical substances, such as water or gas, usually unintentionally. Has a negative connotation.

• There was a leak in the company's database, exposing sensitive customer information.
• The old pipe burst and caused a water leak in the basement.

Appropriate when referring to the formal act of making information public, often used in legal, business, or regulatory contexts.

• The company made a full disclosure of its financial troubles to the shareholders.
• Doctors are required to obtain patient consent before the disclosure of medical records.

Used to describe the act of uncovering something hidden or unknown, often related to risks or dangers. It can have negative or neutral connotations depending on the context.

• Increased exposure to the sun can lead to skin damage.
• The journalist's investigation led to the exposure of massive corruption within the government.

Used when something previously hidden is shown or made known, often intentionally. It has a neutral or positive connotation.

• The magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show.
• The company's latest product was revealed at the annual tech conference.

Used when a substance unintentionally escapes from a container, typically due to damage or a fault. Often has a connotation of something problematic that needs fixing.

• There's a leak in the roof after the storm.
• The pipe started to leak, causing water damage.

Refers to the slow release of liquid drop by drop. It's usually used for smaller amounts and continuous, small-scale leakage.

• The faucet won't stop dripping, even after I turned it off.
• Water was dripping from the ceiling.

Indicates the slow, gentle, and often unnoticed movement of liquid through small openings or porous material. Often has a connotation of spreading gradually and quietly.

• Water began to seep through the cracks in the wall.
• The dye seeped into the fabric, staining it permanently.

Describes a continuous and unrestricted movement of liquid out of a container. It's used when the liquid is exiting freely and smoothly.

• The river burst its banks and the water flowed out into the fields.
• Oil flowed out of the damaged tanker.