Definition

Verb: 1. To slowly flow or seep out in small quantities, typically of a liquid or a viscous substance. This often implies a gradual, passive process of escape or release through small openings or pores.

Usage

The verb "ooze out" describes the action of a substance, usually a thick liquid or semi-liquid, moving slowly and steadily from a contained space to the outside. It emphasizes a lack of force and a slow, often continuous, rate of movement. The subject is typically the substance itself.

Examples

• The sap oozed out of the cut in the tree bark.
• After the injury, blood began to ooze out from the wound.
• Mud oozed out between my toes as I walked through the swamp.
• A strange, sticky liquid was oozing out of the old container.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe a slow, gradual, and often palpable emergence of a non-physical quality.
  • Confidence oozed out of him as he gave the presentation.
  • The tension in the room was so thick it seemed to ooze out of the walls.

Variants and Related Words

• Ooze (verb): The base form, meaning the same as "ooze out."
  • Oil oozed from the engine.
• Exude (verb): A more formal synonym, often used for liquids or smells released from pores or surfaces.
  • The plant exudes a sticky resin.
• Seep (verb): To flow or pass slowly through small openings, often used for liquids like water.
  • Water seeped through the crack in the basement wall.

Synonyms

• Seep
• Exude
• Trickle
• Leak (slowly)
• Percolate

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Leak out: To escape accidentally, often used for information or gases as well as liquids. Implies a flaw or hole.
  • The secret leaked out before the official announcement.
• Seep out: Very similar in meaning to "ooze out," but can apply to thinner liquids and often emphasizes movement through a barrier.
  • The smell of gas seeped out from the pipe.

Related Idioms

• (To) ooze with something: To display a quality or emotion very obviously and abundantly.
  • He oozed with charm during the interview. (Note: This idiom uses "ooze with," not "ooze out.")

Verb

1. release (a liquid) in drops or small quantities
   • exude sweat through the pores