SCATTER
scatter, scattering, strewing
(noun) the act of scattering
scatter, spread
(noun) a haphazard distribution in all directions
scatter, sprinkle, dot, dust, disperse
(verb) distribute loosely; “He scattered gun powder under the wagon”
scatter
(verb) sow by scattering; “scatter seeds”
disperse, dissipate, scatter, spread out
(verb) move away from each other; “The crowds dispersed”; “The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached”
disperse, dissipate, dispel, break up, scatter
(verb) to cause to separate and go in different directions; “She waved her hand and scattered the crowds”
spread, scatter, spread out
(verb) strew or distribute over an area; “He spread fertilizer over the lawn”; “scatter cards across the table”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Verb
scatter (third-person singular simple present scatters, present participle scattering, simple past and past participle scattered)
(ergative) To (cause to) separate and go in different directions; to disperse.
(transitive) To distribute loosely as by sprinkling.
(transitive, physics) To deflect (radiation or particles).
(intransitive) To occur or fall at widely spaced intervals.
(transitive) To frustrate, disappoint, and overthrow.
(transitive) To be dispersed upon.
Synonyms
• (disperse): See also disperse
Noun
scatter (countable and uncountable, plural scatters)
The act of scattering or dispersing.
A collection of dispersed objects.
Anagrams
• tracest
Source: Wiktionary
Scat"ter, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scattered; p. pr. & vb. n. Scattering.]
Etym: [OE. scateren. See Shatter.]
1. To strew about; to sprinkle around; to throw down loosely; to
deposit or place here and there, esp. in an open or sparse order.
And some are scattered all the floor about. Chaucer.
Why should my muse enlarge on Libyan swains, Their scattered
cottages, and ample plains Dryden.
Teach the glad hours to scatter, as they fly, Soft quiet, gentle
love, and endless joy. Prior.
2. To cause to separate in different directions; to reduce from a
close or compact to a loose or broken order; to dissipate; to
disperse.
Scatter and disperse the giddy Goths. Shak.
3. Hence, to frustrate, disappoint, and overthrow; as, to scatter
hopes, plans, or the like.
Syn.
– To disperse; dissipate; spread; strew.
Scat"ter, v. i.
Definition: To be dispersed or dissipated; to disperse or separate; as,
clouds scatter after a storm.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition