Spill Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spill

[spɪl ]

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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?

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'spill'

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.

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.

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10174 promissory
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