Advanced English Word of the Day

Definitions

English > English
disperse
1. v. (transitive, intransitive) To scatter in different directions
The Jews are dispersed among all nations.
2. v. (transitive, intransitive) To break up and disappear; to dissipate
3. v. (transitive, intransitive) To disseminate
4. v. (physics, transitive, intransitive) To separate rays of light etc. according to wavelength; to refract
5. v. (transitive, intransitive) To distribute throughout
6. adj. Scattered or spread out.

Pronunciation

Example Sentences

The clouds disperse rapidly, yet are still flecked through and through with powerful lightning.  In Lagos police fired tear gas and live rounds into the air to disperse crowds trying to prevent people from returning to work after a union split over continuing the strike.

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