Definition

Verb: 1. To flow or pour out of a container or space, often in an uncontrolled manner: This describes the action of a substance, typically a liquid, escaping from its usual confines. 2. To emerge or overflow from a confined area into a wider one, often referring to people or things: This describes the movement of people or objects exiting a crowded or limited space into a larger, adjacent area.

Usage and Examples

• Literal (Liquid/Substance):

  • He knocked over the cup, causing the water to spill out onto the table.
  • The bag split open, and the rice spilled out all over the kitchen floor.

• Figurative (People/Things):

  • When the concert ended, the audience spilled out into the plaza.
  • Her emotions finally spilled out in a torrent of tears.
  • Books and papers spilled out of the overstuffed box.

Advanced Usage

• "spill out into (a place)": To spread or extend from one area into another, larger one.

  • The protest spilled out into the surrounding neighborhoods.
  • The lively atmosphere of the cafe spills out into the street.

• "spill out of (a container/space)": To exit or overflow from a specific container or bounded area.

  • Fans were spilling out of the stadium gates.
  • Light spilled out of the window onto the dark path.

Variants and Related Words

• Spill (verb): The base form, meaning to cause or allow contents to fall or flow out.
• Spillage (noun): An instance or amount of something spilled.
• Spillover (noun): An instance of something overflowing or extending beyond its normal limits (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Pour out: To flow rapidly and in quantity.
• Gush out: To flow out suddenly and forcefully.
• Overflow: To flow over the brim or limits.
• Stream out: To move out in a continuous flow (often for people).
• Disgorge: To eject or discharge contents.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Spill over: Very similar to "spill out," often used for liquids or abstract concepts like emotions or conflicts extending beyond their origin.
  • The conflict in the region threatens to spill over into neighboring countries.
• Spill the beans: (Idiomatic) To reveal a secret.
  • I can't believe you spilled the beans about the surprise party!

Related Idioms

• Spill your guts: (Idiomatic) To confess or tell someone everything you know or feel.
  • During the interview, she finally spilled her guts about the difficulties she faced.

Verb

1. be disgorged
   • The crowds spilled out into the streets