Scatter

/ˈskætər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

an act of scattering.

The scatter of seeds in the field was carefully planned.

a small amount of something that is spread out.

There was a scatter of crumbs on the table.

verb

to break up or disperse.

The crowd began to scatter after the concert ended.

to throw or distribute something in various directions.

She decided to scatter the seeds across the garden.

to cause to separate and go in different directions.

The loud noise made the birds scatter into the trees.

to spread out or disperse over an area.

The wind began to scatter the leaves all over the yard.

Middle English 'scateren', from Old Norse 'skata' meaning 'to throw'.

scatterbrain

A person who is forgetful or disorganized.

scattershot

In a random and haphazard manner.

scatter the ashes

To disperse cremated remains in a specific location.

disperse

To spread over a wide area.

strew

To scatter or spread things untidily.

diffuse

To spread out over a larger area.

To leave quickly; to run away.

When the cops showed up, everyone scattered.

To confuse someone.

His sudden change of plans really scattered me.