Spill: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ฆ
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spill

 

[spษชl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

accidentally

To cause or allow liquid to flow over the edge of its container, especially by accident.

Synonyms

drip, leak, pour.

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Word Description / Examples
spill

Used when a liquid accidentally flows over the edge of its container, often leading to a mess.

  • She accidentally spilled her coffee all over the table
  • Be careful not to spill the juice, it's so sticky!
leak

Typically describes an unintended hole or crack allowing liquid or gas to escape. Often associated with damage or malfunctions.

  • There is a leak in the roof, we need to fix it before it rains again
  • The water pipe started to leak, flooding the basement
pour

Used when transferring a liquid smoothly from one container to another, usually in a controlled manner.

  • Can you pour me some water? She poured the wine into the glasses
drip

Referring to a liquid falling in small drops, often one at a time. Can be a minor annoyance or indicate a small leak.

  • The faucet won't stop dripping
  • I noticed a drip coming from the air conditioner

Examples of usage

  • I spilled coffee on my shirt this morning.
  • She accidentally spilled her drink on the table.
Context #2 | Verb

reveal

To reveal private or secret information unintentionally.

Synonyms

disclose, divulge, expose.

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Word Description / Examples
spill

Used in casual or informal settings, often when someone accidentally reveals something. It can also refer to accidentally causing liquid to fall out of a container.

  • She didn't mean to spill the secret about the surprise party.
  • Oops, I spilled coffee all over my shirt.
disclose

Commonly used in formal or official contexts when revealing confidential or important information.

  • The company had to disclose its financial status to the shareholders.
  • Doctors are required to disclose any potential risks associated with a procedure.
divulge

Often used in a more serious or formal context to reveal something that was meant to be kept secret. It can imply a sense of betrayal or inappropriate revelation.

  • He refused to divulge the sources of his information.
  • She was reluctant to divulge details about her personal life.
expose

Used when revealing something hidden or dishonest, often with a negative connotation. It can also describe being placed in a vulnerable position.

  • The journalist worked hard to expose the corruption within the government.
  • She felt exposed after her private emails were leaked.

Examples of usage

  • He spilled the secret to his best friend.
  • The witness spilled the details of the crime.
Context #3 | Noun

accident

An instance of spilling liquid.

Synonyms

accident, leakage, overflow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spill

Used when a liquid is unintentionally dropped or flows out of a container. Can be used for both small and large amounts of liquid.

  • She accidentally knocked over the glass, causing a spill on the table.
  • The worker was careful not to spill the chemicals while pouring them.
leakage

Refers to the slow and unintended escape of a substance, often a liquid or gas. Usually suggests a problem that needs fixing.

  • There was a leakage in the pipe, causing water damage in the basement.
  • The gas company was called to fix a leakage that was detected in the old valve.
overflow

Happens when a container holds more liquid than its capacity, causing it to spill out. Often indicates that something has gone beyond its limits.

  • The bathtub started to overflow because she forgot to turn off the faucet.
  • The river is at risk of overflowing due to heavy rain.
accident

A general term used to describe an unexpected, harmful event. Can involve more than just liquids, such as car crashes or workplace injuries.

  • The traffic accident caused a major delay on the highway.
  • He slipped and fell by accident, injuring his knee.

Examples of usage

  • There was a spill on the kitchen floor.
  • The spill caused a slippery surface.

Translations

Translations of the word "spill" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น derramar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคฟเคฐเคพเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช verschรผtten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menumpahkan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะพะทะปะธั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ rozlaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ“ใผใ™

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท renverser

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ derramar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dรถkmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Ÿ๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูƒุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rozlรญt

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ rozliaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆด’

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ razliti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ heila

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ำฉะณัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒฆแƒ•แƒ แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tรถkรผlmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ derramar

Etymology

The word 'spill' has its origin in Old English 'spilian' meaning 'to shed (blood).' Over time, the meaning evolved to include the accidental shedding or flowing of liquids. The word has been used in English since the 13th century.

See also: spillage.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,176, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.