Definition of "seep" in English

verb

1. (intransitive) To ooze or pass slowly through pores or other small openings, and in overly small quantities; said of liquids, etc.

   • Water has seeped through the roof.
   • The water steadily seeped in through the thirl.

2. (intransitive, figurative) To enter or penetrate slowly; to spread or diffuse.

   • Woe seeped through her heart thinking of what had befallen their ethnic group.
   • Fear began to seep into the local community over the contamination of their fishpond.

3. (intransitive, figurative) To diminish or wane away slowly.

   • The resistance movement against the invaders had slowly seeped away.

4. (transitive) (of a crack etc.) To allow a liquid to pass through, to leak.

   • The crack is seeping water.

5. (Scotland) To soak.

noun

1. A small spring, pool, or other spot where liquid from the ground (e.g. water, petroleum or tar) has oozed to the surface; a place of seeping.

2. Moisture, liquid, gas, etc. that seeps out; a seepage.

3. The seeping away of a liquid, etc.

4. A seafloor vent.