Scatter
'skætər
Definitions
2 meaningsTo throw or spread things over a wide area in a disorganized way.
'skætər
To disperse or spread things in different directions.
The wind scattered the leaves across the yard.
💡 Simply: Like when you accidentally spill your cereal all over the table, things are spread out everywhere.
👶 For kids: To throw things around so they go in many different directions.
More Examples
The crowd scattered when they heard the police sirens.
He scattered the seeds evenly in the garden.
How It's Used
"She scattered birdseed on the lawn."
"The retreating army scattered after the surprise attack."
To separate and move or be driven in different directions; to flee or disperse.
'skætər
To move or go in different directions.
The refugees scattered when the fighting began.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of kids playing and then suddenly running in all different directions.
👶 For kids: To go away in different directions, like when you run from a monster in a game!
More Examples
The students scattered after the final bell.
The soldiers scattered to find cover during the ambush.
How It's Used
"The protesters scattered when the police arrived."
"The flock of birds scattered at the sound of gunfire."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Scatterbrained
Disorganized and forgetful; tending to be easily distracted.
"She's a bit scatterbrained, often forgetting where she puts her keys."
From Middle English *scatteren*, from Old English *scaterian* ('to break, disperse'), of uncertain origin, possibly related to Middle Dutch *schateren* ('to shatter, burst').
The word 'scatter' has been used since Old English times to describe dispersal or breaking apart.
Memory tip
Imagine throwing a handful of pebbles. They don't go in a neat line; they SCATTER.
Word Origin
"To break or disperse"