V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary
disperse
verb
Definition: 1. to separate or cause to separate and move in different directions; 2. to spread out and distribute evenly or randomly; 3. to move away from each other; 4. to cause something to be widespread or make widely known
Synonyms: scatter, disseminate, dissipate, vanish, spread out
Antonyms: assemble, gather, draw in
Tips: Disperse originates from the Latin dispergere, “to scatter around.” In physics, to disperse can refer to splitting white light into the colors of the spectrum. By the same token, a crowd can disperse, becoming individuals going their separate ways. Another meaning for disperse is "to distribute either evenly or randomly." For a memory trick, note how disperse sounds like "this purse." Now, imagine hearing a lady tell a story: "I was carrying several mice in this purse, and when I set it down the mice got out and dispersed (scattered) around the room. My intention was to disperse (hand out) these mice from this purse to my niece and nephew."
Usage Examples:
The officer asked the people at the scene of the accident to disperse so that he might do his job more efficiently. (scatter, spread out)
Please disperse the following handouts among yourselves. (distribute)
When you disperse the medication amongst the patients, be sure to record each dosage on their charts. (disseminate)
The crowd quickly dispersed when the concert was over. (vanished, scattered)
Discover How You Can Improve Your
Vocabulary 10 to 100 Times Faster with
the Power Vocabulary Builder
Dear Friend,
The definition and lessons for the word disperse were made available by the Power Vocabulary Builder.
The Power Vocabulary Builder will help you develop a fuller, richer vocabulary 10 to 100 times faster than any other program available.
Visit the the Power Vocabulary Builder site right now to discover how you can get full access to this breakthrough program today!
posterity - Definition of posterity
consortium - Definition of consortium
sundry - Definition of sundry
miser - Definition of miser
obsolete - Definition of obsolete
