Disperse

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dɪˈspɜːs/
• US IPA: /dɪˈspɜ˞s/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)s

Origin

From French disperser, from Latin dispersus, past participle of dispergere ("to scatter abroad, disperse"), from dis- ("apart") + spargere ("to scatter"); see sparse.

Full definition of disperse

Verb

1. (transitive, intransitive) To scatter in different directionsThe Jews are dispersed among all nations.
• Bible, Proverbs xv. 7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge.
• CowperTwo lions, in the still, dark night,
  A herd of beeves disperse.
2. (transitive, intransitive) To break up and disappear; to dissipate
3. (transitive, intransitive) To disseminate
4. (physics, transitive, intransitive) To separate rays of light etc. according to wavelength; to refract
5. (transitive, intransitive) To distribute throughout

Usage notes

Do not confuse with the monetary word disburse, despite similarity.

Related terms

• dispersal
• dispersible
• dispersion

Anagrams

• despiser
• presides