Words / B2

SPIL/spɪl/

To spill is to pour liquid out by accident, or to reveal a secret: a chemical spill; spill the details. Pour is deliberate; leak is for secrets and pipes. A chemical spill voids the practical. Mix-up: spell is letters or a period (already in the dictionary); spoil is to ruin (later entry). Do not write spill for a planned pouring in a method.

Meaning

To accidentally pour liquid out of a container; also to let a secret out (spill).

Examples

• “A chemical spill voids the practical if it is not logged, the technician said.”
• “Do not spill the paper contents in the corridor, which is the secret sense.”

Good to know

spill + liquid; a spill; spill a secret. Deliberate: pour. Trap: spell / spoil. Sciences and news. Accident or leak, not a planned pour.

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