scatter Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a haphazard distribution in all directions
    spread.
  2. noun the act of scattering
    scattering; strewing.
  3. verb to cause to separate and go in different directions
    dispel; break up; disperse; dissipate.
    • She waved her hand and scattered the crowds
  4. verb move away from each other;
    disperse; spread out; dissipate.
    • The crowds dispersed
    • The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached
  5. verb distribute loosely
    dust; sprinkle; dot; disperse.
    • He scattered gun powder under the wagon
  6. verb sow by scattering
    • scatter seeds
  7. verb cause to separate
    disperse; break up.
    • break up kidney stones
    • disperse particles
  8. verb strew or distribute over an area
    spread; spread out.
    • He spread fertilizer over the lawn
    • scatter cards across the table

WordNet

Scat"ter transitive verb
Etymology
OE. scateren. See Shatter.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Scattered ; present participle & verbal noun Scattering
Definitions
  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 intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To be dispersed or dissipated; to disperse or separate; as, clouds scatter after a storm.

Webster 1913