# disseminate

/dɪˈsɛməˌneɪt/ (US) · /dɪsˈɛmɪnˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disseminate
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

to spread information, news, or ideas to a large number of people. You use this when talking about sharing knowledge widely so that everyone can learn it.

For teachers: to spread information, knowledge, or ideas widely. Transitive; typically describes the formal distribution of data or research to a broad audience.

## Examples

- The health department will disseminate the new safety guidelines today.
- The university uses its online portal to disseminate research findings to scholars across the globe.
- In the digital age, social media platforms allow users to disseminate information instantaneously, though this speed often bypasses the traditional gatekeepers of factual accuracy.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The news disseminated quickly." but "The news was disseminated quickly." — Disseminate is primarily transitive; when describing news spreading on its own, use 'spread' or the passive voice 'was disseminated'.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; often used in academic or professional contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.