The unintended escape or loss of liquid, gas, or other substance through a hole or crack. Also refers to the gradual loss or disclosure of information.
From Old Norse 'leka' (to leak) + English suffix '-age' indicating action or result. The metaphorical use for information disclosure emerged in the 20th century, parallel to the physical meaning of unwanted escape.
Information 'leakage' brilliantly extends the physical metaphor of liquids escaping containers to describe secrets spilling out, showing how we conceptualize abstract concepts through concrete experiences. In plumbing and politics alike, leakage represents loss of control and unwanted consequences.
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