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Spilled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spilled

[spɪld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The term 'spilled' refers to the act of accidentally allowing a liquid or substance to flow out of its container. This can happen due to knocking over a cup, dropping a bottle, or overfilling a glass. Spilled is typically used to describe an unintended action, resulting in a mess that often requires cleaning. It can also indicate a figurative release, such as spilling secrets or emotions.

Synonyms

escaped, gushed, overflowed, overturned.

Examples of usage

  • He spilled coffee on the table.
  • She spilled her secrets to her best friend.
  • The child spilled juice all over the floor.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In many poems and stories, spilled liquids symbolize loss or regret, creating emotional imagery.
  • Famous literature often uses the imagery of a spilled drink to represent fleeting moments or memories.

Psychology

  • Accidentally spilling something can trigger feelings of embarrassment or frustration, as it disrupts our control.
  • Studies show that people often feel more empathetic toward others who have spilled something, seeing it as a shared human experience.

Science

  • When a liquid is spilled, its shape and spread can be understood through fluid dynamics, the study of how liquids move.
  • The way a substance spills depends on its viscosity, which is how thick or thin it is.

Pop Culture

  • 'Spilled' has been referenced in songs and movies as a metaphor for accidents or unexpected life events.
  • The phrase 'spilled the beans' is a popular idiom that means to reveal a secret or hidden information.

Origin of 'spilled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'spill' comes from the Old English 'spillan', meaning to destroy or to ruin.
  • In Middle English, the word evolved to 'spillen', referencing the act of pouring out.

The word 'spill' originates from the Old English 'spillan', which means to destroy or to let fall. This term is also linked to the Proto-Germanic '*spillōną', meaning to fall or to fall apart. As language evolved, 'spill' took on more specific meanings in relation to liquids and substances, particularly regarding their accidental release. Over time, 'spilled' emerged as the past tense form, solidifying its common use in English today. This evolution reflects not just a linguistic transformation, but also the human experience of handling fragile or liquid items.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,413, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.