The word 泄露 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a layer of meaning to create a unified concept. The first character, 泄 (xiè), carries the core idea of something leaking out, draining away, or being released, often with a sense of unwanted flow or escape. The second character, 露 (lòu/lù), adds the specific nuance of something being exposed, revealed, or coming to light. When joined, they metaphorically depict the process where something that is contained or secret (like water or information) leaks out (泄) and thereby becomes exposed (露), perfectly capturing the meaning of "to divulge" or "to leak" secrets.