scatter

Verb

1. (ergative) To (cause to) separate and go in different directions; to disperse.
2. (transitive) To distribute loosely as by sprinkling.
3. (transitive) To deflect (radiation or particles).
4. (intransitive) To occur or fall at widely spaced intervals.
5. (transitive) To frustrate, disappoint, and overthrow.
6. (transitive) To be dispersed upon.
7. (transitive) Of a pitcher: to keep down the number of hits or walks.
8. (US, slang) To leave.

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) The act of scattering or dispersing.
2. (countable, uncountable) A collection of dispersed objects.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈskætə/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: scateren

Inherited from Old English: *sceaterian

Cognate with Middle Dutch: scheteren

Cognate with Low German: schateren

Cognate with Dutch: schateren

Cognate with Ancient Greek: σκεδάννυμι

Cognate with Tokharian B: kät-

In summary

From Middle English scateren, skateren, (also schateren, see shatter), from Old English *sceaterian, probably from a dialect of Old Norse. Possibly related to Proto-Indo-European *skey- (“to cut, split, shatter”). Compare Middle Dutch scheteren (“to scatter”), Low German schateren, Dutch schateren (“to burst out laughing”); and is apparently remotely akin to Ancient Greek σκεδάννυμι (skedánnumi, “scatter, disperse”). and Tocharian B kät- (“to scatter, sow seeds”). Doublet of shatter.

Synonyms

disperse

spread

sprinkle

strew

sow

disseminate

dissipate

distribute

break up

spill

diffuse

spread out

throw

pour

shed

separate

dispel

spray

squander

disband

splash

break

throw about

broadcast

be scattered

scattering

cast

spatter

propagate

plant

🌱

destroy

dissolve

toss

be dispersed

make known

leave behind

stir

dismiss

pour out

dust

explode

drive away

drop

divide

abandon

dot

split

spoil

sew

scattered