noun

spillover

spillover, repercussion, side effect

The conflict had a spillover effect on neighbouring countries.

The conflict had a spillover effect on neighboring countries.

((a spillover effect)) an effect on sb./sth. not directly involved. The conflict had a spillover effect on neighboring countries.

Synonyms: repercussion, consequence, side effect

A compound of 'spill' + 'over'. It literally means something that has spilled over its container.

Think of a liquid that 'spills over' its cup and affects the table around it – an unintended consequence.

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