dispersed
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to move apart and go in different directions, or to spread something out over a large area.
v.to cause to separate and move in different directions; often used in the passive voice to describe the distribution of a group or substance.
Simple“The crowd dispersed quickly once the rain started falling heavily.”
In context“The police ordered the protesters to leave, and the group eventually dispersed into the surrounding side streets without further incident.”
UsageOften used as an intransitive verb when a crowd moves away, or transitively when an agent spreads something.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.spread over a wide area rather than being concentrated in one spot.
adj.distributed or spread over a wide area; not concentrated or clustered.
Simple“The company has a very dispersed workforce, with employees living in ten different countries.”
In context“The archaeological survey revealed a dispersed settlement pattern, suggesting that the ancient inhabitants lived in small, isolated farmsteads rather than a central village.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
v.to break something up so it disappears or spreads into another substance, like smoke in the air.
v.to cause a gas, liquid, or smoke to thin out and eventually vanish through spreading.
Simple“The strong winds dispersed the thick fog by mid-morning.”
In context“The chemical agent was designed to be dispersed as a fine mist, ensuring maximum coverage across the affected agricultural zone.”
UsageCommonly used in scientific contexts regarding particles, light, or chemicals.
Antonyms
“Protesters had dispersed by lunchtime, and no arrests were made during the incident.”
“The volunteers were dispersed to bases across the north and put to work.”