spread out in different directions

disperse

verb|/dɪˈspɜrs/

Spread out or distribute over a wide area

Examples

In a meeting

We should disperse the team across different time zones for better coverage.

Over coffee

The crowd started to disperse after the concert ended.

Why this word

scatter

Disperse suggests spreading widely in different directions, while scatter is less specific about distribution pattern

spread

Disperse implies breaking up a concentration, while spread can mean extension without necessarily separating

distribute

Disperse emphasizes separation and movement away, while distribute focuses on allocation

Usage tip

Use when describing things or people scattering or being distributed widely

Etymology

Latin: dis- (apart) + spargere (to scatter)

Get a new word every morning

One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.

Related words