Past tense of leak; disclosed secret or confidential information without authorization, or allowed liquid to escape through an opening.
From Old Norse 'leka' meaning 'to drip'. The metaphorical sense of information 'leaking' developed in the 20th century, drawing parallels between liquid escaping and secrets being revealed.
The metaphorical leap from physical leakage to information disclosure is brilliant - both involve something contained breaking free through unintended channels, making this one of journalism's most vivid metaphors.
Leaked intimate content disproportionately targets and harms women, with non-consensual intimate images weaponized against female victims in ways that carry gendered legal and social consequences. The language used to describe such leaks often frames victims as blameworthy rather than harmed.
When discussing leaked content involving intimate images, center the harm and violation to the person depicted. Use 'non-consensual intimate images' or 'image-based abuse' rather than neutral 'leak' framing.
["non-consensual intimate imagery","image-based abuse","violated"]
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