Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To move apart from a central point or from each other; to become distributed over a wider area.
   • To extend or stretch over an area; to cover a larger space.

2. Verb (transitive):

   • To open, unfold, or stretch something so that it covers a larger area.
   • To distribute or scatter things over an area.
   • To arrange things in a line or over an expanse.

Examples of Usage

• Intransitive Verb:

  • After the meeting, the crowd began to spread out.
  • The city spreads out for miles from the downtown core.
  • Please don't all stand together; spread out and look for the lost keys.

• Transitive Verb:

  • She spread out the map on the table to plan the route.
  • He spread the documents out so he could compare them side by side.
  • The farmer spread out the hay to dry in the sun.

Advanced Usage

• "to spread oneself out": To relax by stretching one's body to occupy more space.

  • After the long drive, he spread himself out on the sofa.

• "to spread out payments/work": To distribute something (like cost or effort) over a period of time.

  • You can spread out the loan payments over five years.
  • It's better to spread out the revision rather than cramming the night before.

Variants and Related Words

• Spread (verb/noun): The base form, meaning to extend over an area or to distribute.

  • The fire spread quickly. (verb)
  • The spread of the virus was alarming. (noun)

• Outspread (adjective/verb): Fully extended or stretched out.

  • He welcomed them with outspread arms. (adjective)

Synonyms

• Disperse: To break up and scatter.
• Scatter: To throw or drop things so they spread over an area.
• Fan out: To move outward from a central point in different directions, like the shape of a fan.
• Deploy: To spread out or arrange strategically (often used for people or resources).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Spread over: To cover a period of time or an area.

  • The festival is spread over three weekends.

• Spread through: To move through and affect a whole area or group.

  • Rumors spread through the office quickly.

Related Idioms

• Spread too thin: To attempt to do so many things that one cannot do any of them effectively.

  • By taking on two extra jobs, he was spread too thin and his health suffered.

• Spread like wildfire: To disseminate or become known very rapidly.

  • News of the scandal spread like wildfire.

Verb

1. spread out or open from a closed or folded state
   • open the map
   • spread your arms
2. move away from each other;
   • The crowds dispersed
   • The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached
3. turn outward
   • These birds can splay out their toes
   • ballet dancers can rotate their legs out by 90 degrees
4. extend in one or more directions
   • The dough expands
5. strew or distribute over an area
   • He spread fertilizer over the lawn
   • scatter cards across the table
6. set out or stretch in a line, succession, or series
   • the houses were strung out in a long row
7. move outward
   • The soldiers fanned out