Word
fanning
Phoneticsfan·ning
US/ˈfænɪŋ/
UK/fˈænɪŋ/
Definition
v. to spread something out into the shape of a fan, or to blow air onto something to make it cooler or a fire stronger. In modern slang, it can also mean acting like an obsessed fan toward a celebrity.
v. to spread out or disperse from a central point into a semicircular shape; also, to increase the strength of a fire or the flow of air by agitation. In contemporary informal usage, it describes the behavior of an obsessive admirer.
Examples
“She is fanning the fire to keep it burning.”
“The police officers began fanning out across the park to search for the missing backpack.”
“By fanning the flames of public resentment through provocative speeches, the politician managed to secure a narrow victory despite widespread criticism of his economic policies.”
Examples
simple
“She is fanning the fire to keep it burning.”
contextual
“The police officers began fanning out across the park to search for the missing backpack.”
complex
“By fanning the flames of public resentment through provocative speeches, the politician managed to secure a narrow victory despite widespread criticism of his economic policies.”
Usage
Often used with the particle 'out' to describe physical dispersal; as a slang term, it is typically intransitive.
Pitfall
The cards were fanning on the table.
The cards were fanned out on the table.
When describing the resulting shape rather than the action in progress, the past participle 'fanned' is required.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/fanning