disperse

[dɪˈspɜːs]

disperse Definition

• 1. distribute or spread over a wide area
• 2. cause to thin out and disappear
• 3. go or cause to go in different directions or to different destinations

Using disperse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "disperse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The protesters were dispersed by the police.

• Example

  The clouds dispersed and the sun came out.

• Example

  The company decided to disperse its operations across the country.

• Example

  The crowd began to disperse after the concert ended.

disperse Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for disperse

• scatter
• spread
• distribute
• diffuse
• disseminate

Antonyms for disperse

• gather
• assemble
• concentrate

Phrases with disperse

• disperse into thin air

  to disappear suddenly and completely

  Example

  The money seemed to have dispersed into thin air.

• disperse a crowd

  to break up a group of people who have gathered together, especially if they are protesting or causing a disturbance

  Example

  The police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

• disperse forces

  to move troops or military equipment to different locations

  Example

  The army decided to disperse its forces to cover a wider area.

Origins of disperse

from Latin 'dispergere', meaning 'to scatter'

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Summary: disperse in Brief

The verb 'disperse' [dɪˈspɜːs] means to distribute or spread over a wide area, cause to thin out and disappear, or go or cause to go in different directions or to different destinations. Examples include 'The protesters were dispersed by the police,' and 'The company decided to disperse its operations across the country.' Phrases include 'disperse into thin air,' meaning to disappear suddenly and completely, and 'disperse a crowd,' meaning to break up a group of people who have gathered together.