1. (

• scatter ,
• sprinkle ,
• dot ,
• dust ,
• disperse

) distribute loosely; "He scattered gun powder under the wagon" ;

2. (

• disperse ,
• dissipate ,
• dispel ,
• break_up ,
• scatter ,

) to cause to separate and go in different directions; "She waved her hand and scattered the crowds" ;

3. (

• break_up ,
• disperse ,
• scatter

) cause to separate; "break up kidney stones"; "disperse particles" ;

4. (

• disperse ,
• dissipate ,
• scatter ,
• spread_out ,

) move away from each other; "The crowds dispersed"; "The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached" ;

5. (

• disperse ,

) separate (light) into spectral rays; "the prism disperses light" ;

6. (

• circulate ,
• circularize ,
• circularise ,
• distribute ,
• disseminate ,
• propagate ,
• broadcast ,
• spread ,
• diffuse ,
• disperse ,
• pass_around

) cause to become widely known; "spread information"; "circulate a rumor"; "broadcast the news" ;