Spill over Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Conflict Spread Used when situations, especially bad ones, extend to affect other areas or groups. The political unrest has begun to spill over into economic sectors. Pro Tip 2/3Impact Awareness Implies that the reach of an action or event has broader implications than anticipated. The financial crisis is spilling over into global markets. Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Overflow Describes when emotions cannot be contained within and affect other aspects of life. His joy about the promotion spilled over at the dinner table.