Definition

Verb: * To spread out or move outward from a central point in different directions, often in a widening pattern.

Usage

This verb describes the action of people, animals, or things diverging from a single location or line to cover a broader area. It is often used for organized searches, military maneuvers, or the spreading of a group.

Examples

• The police officers fanned out across the park to search for the missing child.
• As the hikers reached the meadow, they fanned out to explore different parts of it.
• The birds fanned out from the tree, flying in all directions.

Advanced Usage

• "to fan out from (something)": To specify the central point of origin.
  • The trails fan out from the main lodge, leading to various viewpoints.
• "to fan out across/over/through (an area)": To specify the area being covered.
  • Reporters fanned out across the city to gather reactions to the news.

Variants and Related Words

• Fan (verb): To spread out or cause to spread out. (e.g., )
• Disperse (verb): To spread over a wide area; to scatter.
• Spread out (phrasal verb): A more general synonym for moving apart to cover an area.

Synonyms

• Disperse
• Spread out
• Diffuse
• Radiate
• Scatter

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Spread out: To move away from other people or things in a group so that you cover a larger area.
  • The crowd spread out after the concert ended.

Verb

1. move outward
   • The soldiers fanned out