scatter
Translation
to scatter, to disperse
Examples
He scattered the seeds on the ground.
He scattered the seeds on the ground.
The crowd scattered when the rain started.
The crowd scattered when the rain started.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to scatter (sth.) to throw things over a wide area She scattered the toys all over the floor.
((sb./sth.)) to scatter (intransitive) to move apart in different directions The birds scattered when I clapped.
Similar Words
Synonyms: disperse, spread, sprinkle; Antonyms: gather, collect, assemble
Etymology
From Middle English, possibly related to 'shatter'. The idea is of breaking into pieces and spreading out.
Memory Tips
Imagine you 'scatter' food for a cat, so you can remember 's-CAT-ter'.