verb (used without object)
1.
to pass, flow, or ooze gradually through a porous substance: Water seeps through cracks in the wall.
2.
(of ideas, methods, etc.) to enter or be introduced at a slow pace: The new ideas finally seeped down to the lower echelons.
3.
to become diffused; permeate: Fog seeped through the trees, obliterating everything.
verb (used with object)
4.
to cause to seep; filter: The vodka is seeped through charcoal to purify it.
noun
5.
moisture that seeps out; seepage.
6.
a small spring, pool, or other place where liquid from the ground has oozed to the surface of the earth.
Origin:
1780–90; perhaps variant of dial. sipe, itself perhaps continuing Old English sīpian (cognate with Middle Low German sīpen)
1780–90; perhaps variant of dial. sipe, itself perhaps continuing Old English sīpian (cognate with Middle Low German sīpen)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To seep
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Seep
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is lollygag. Does it mean:
| chat, to converse |
| to spend time idly; loaf. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
seep (siːp) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | (intr) to pass gradually or leak through or as if through small openings; ooze |
| —n | |
| 2. | a small spring or place where water, oil, etc, has oozed through the ground |
| 3. | another word for seepage |
| [Old English sīpian; related to Middle High German sīfen, Swedish dialect sipa] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
seep
1790, variant of sipe (1503), possibly from O.E. sipian "to seep," from P.Gmc. *sip- (cf. M.H.G. sifen, Du. sijpelen "to ooze").
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Even if the stored gas didn't leak straight to the surface, it might seep into groundwater supplies.
Being out of a job perforates the walls of the mind, and thoughts seep off into strange channels.
Batteries have a high concentration of metals, which if not disposed of properly can seep into the ground when the casing erodes.
Strength in the market for rentals is beginning to seep into the more troubled owner-occupied sector.
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