scatter

Transitive VerbIntransitive Verb

pl: nullpast: scatteredpp: scattereding: scatteringcomp: nullsup: null

This word carries a strong sense of chaos and suddenness. It describes a transition from a concentrated state to a fragmented one, often triggered by a sudden shock or a deliberate act of distribution. There is an inherent feeling of loss of control or the breaking of a pattern.

Meanings

Transitive Verb

[someone][something]

To throw or drop things in different directions over a wide area.

"The farmer began to scatter seeds across the field."

Intransitive Verb

[someone][something]

To move quickly and irregularly away from a central point in various directions.

"The crowd started to scatter when the rain began."

Transitive Verb

[something]

To cause light or sound waves to reflect in many directions.

"The atmosphere tends to scatter shorter wavelengths of light."

Last Updated: May 26, 2026•Report an Error