Disperse

(53), v. t. [imp. & p. p. DISPERSED (dis-pĕrst'); p. pr. & vb. n. DISPERSING.] [Fr. disperser, Pr. disperger, It. dispergere, from Lat. dispergere, from prefix di, for dis, and spargere, to strew, scatter.]

1Sense 1. To scatter here and there; to diffuse; to spread, as knowledge, light, &c.; to make known; as, the Jews are dispersed among all nations.

The poet entering on the stage to disperse the argument. B. Jonson.

2Sense 2. To cause to vanish or separate, as company or cloud, fog or people.

Two lions, in the still, dark night, A herd of beeves disperse. Cowper.

Synonyms—To scatter; dissipate; dispel; spread; diffuse; distribute; deal out; disseminate.