The Word of the Year 2005.

In this time of recollection of 2005 events, I think we can grant the word "leak" the title 'Word of the Year' - at least in American and British (Secret memo...) politics.

What will it be for 2006? "Impeachment"? "Resignation"? Unfortunately, I doubt it. "Investigation" most likely... and hopefully, if I may add.

leak:
v. leaked, leak·ing, leaks
v. intr.

1. To permit the escape, entry, or passage of something through a breach or flaw: rusted pipes that were beginning to leak; a boat leaking at the seams.
2. To escape or pass through a breach or flaw: helium leaking slowly from the balloon.
3. Informal. To become publicly known through a breach of secrecy: The news has leaked.
4. Informal. To disclose without authorization or official sanction: leaked classified information to a reporter.

Note: now for our French and Francophile readers, a leak is "fuite" in French as in "fuites publiées dans la presse". [Incidently, the word "fuite" also means "flight or escape"]. As often in French the noun does not turn into a verb and so the verb is entirely different, it becomes "divulguer" (as to divulge, or disclose). But to be fair, there is a whole "leak culture" in the Anglo-Saxon world that does not exist (yet) in France. Hopefully some day...