Definition

1. Verb:
   • To extend across or over a surface, forming a cover or layer: The action of something unfolding, stretching out, or being distributed so that it lies upon and conceals or occupies an area.

Usage

• This verb phrase is used to describe the action of one thing extending itself across the surface of another, often completely or partially covering it.
• It typically follows the structure: .

Examples

• Verb:
  • The fog began to spread over the city. (The fog extended across the area of the city.)
  • She spread the tablecloth over the picnic table. (She extended the tablecloth so it covered the table's surface.)
  • The news of the victory spread over the entire nation. (The news extended across and reached all parts of the nation.)

Advanced Usage

• "to spread itself over": A more formal or emphatic way to express the same action.
  • The ivy spread itself over the old stone wall. (The ivy grew to cover the wall.)

Variants and Related Words

• Spread (verb): To open, arrange, or distribute over a larger area. (e.g., )
• Overlay (verb): To cover the surface of something with a coating or layer. (e.g., )
• Cover (verb): To place something over or upon, as to protect or conceal. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Extend over: To stretch out over an area.
• Blanket: To cover completely, like a blanket.
• Mantle: To cover or envelop as if with a cloak.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Spread out: To extend over a wider area; to open or stretch fully.
  • The eagle spread out its wings. (The eagle extended its wings to their full width.)

Related Idioms

• Spread like wildfire: To disseminate or extend very rapidly.
  • The rumor spread like wildfire over the school. (The rumor extended across the school very quickly.)

Verb

1. form a cover over
   • The grass covered the grave