Definition

1. Verb:
   • To flow over the edge or limits of a container or area: To move beyond a boundary, typically of a liquid or a mass of people or things, because the space is too full.
   • To extend beyond original or intended limits: To affect areas or situations beyond the initial scope, often used for emotions, conflicts, or economic effects.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The river spilled over its banks after the heavy rain.
  • The protest spilled over into the neighboring streets.
  • Her enthusiasm for the project spilled over into her personal life.

Advanced Usage

• "spill over into (something)": To begin to affect another area, situation, or period.
  • The market volatility spilled over into the global economy.
  • Their disagreement over the budget spilled over into a broader argument about strategy.

Variants and Related Words

• Spillover (noun): An instance or effect of something spilling over.
  • The conflict had significant economic spillovers for the region.

Synonyms

• Overflow: To flow over the brim or limits.
• Overspill: To spread out from a crowded place.
• Extend: To stretch or continue into a wider area.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Spill out: To flow or pour out from a container; (for people) to exit a place in large numbers.
  • The crowd spilled out of the stadium.
• Bubble over: To be so full of an emotion (like joy or anger) that it becomes very apparent.
  • She was bubbling over with excitement about the trip.

Related Idioms

• Spill the beans: To reveal a secret (Note: This idiom uses "spill" but has a different, idiomatic meaning unrelated to "spill over").
  • He finally spilled the beans about the surprise party.

Verb

1. be disgorged
   • The crowds spilled out into the streets
2. overflow with a certain feeling
   • The children bubbled over with joy
   • My boss was bubbling over with anger