Spill

To spill means to unintentionally cause or allow a liquid, or other substance, to flow or fall over the edge of a container, or out of its original confines. It can also refer to the act of releasing or divulging something, like information or a secret, often inadvertently. Metaphorically, it can describe the sudden or unplanned release of something intangible like emotions or a surplus amount. The context can also be about scattering or dispersing something across a surface, or the overflow of a liquid from its bounds. The effect can be unintentional and often requires cleaning up.

Spill meaning with examples

• He was reaching for a glass of water when he bumped the table, causing the water to spill across the pristine white tablecloth. The mess created a chaotic scene requiring towels to soak it up, and he felt embarrassed about his clumsiness.
• During the police interrogation, she inadvertently began to spill details about the crime, revealing inconsistencies and undermining her fabricated alibi. The detective noticed her slip-ups, and seized the opportunity to build a stronger case for their investigation.
• After a particularly emotional scene in the play, the actress began to spill tears freely, showing her vulnerability in a raw and impactful way. The audience connected to the characters suffering, moved by the emotional weight of the performance.
• As the crowd rushed the gates, people began to spill out onto the street, disrupting traffic and creating a logistical challenge for the event organizers to manage. This overflow of people caused a significant safety concern for everyone.