scatter meaning

UK /ˈskætə/ US /ˈskætɚ/ 2 syllables

scatter (verb): to cause to separate and go in different directions.

scatter has 8 meanings in this dictionary, as verb and noun.

scatter as a verb

  1. to cause to separate and go in different directions
    • She waved her hand and scattered the crowds

    Synonyms: disperse, dissipate, dispel, break up

    Type of: separate

    Kinds: disband

    Related forms: scattering

  2. move away from each other
    • The crowds dispersed
    • The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached

    Synonyms: disperse, dissipate, spread out

    Type of: separate

    Kinds: aerosolize, break, volley

    Related forms: scattering

  3. distribute loosely
    • He scattered gun powder under the wagon

    Synonyms: sprinkle, dot, dust, disperse

    Type of: discharge

    Kinds: spray, spatter, sprinkle, bespangle, aerosolize

  4. sow by scattering
    • scatter seeds

    Type of: sow

    Related forms: scattering

  5. cause to separate
    • break up kidney stones
    • disperse particles

    Synonyms: break up, disperse

    Type of: change integrity

    Kinds: backscatter

  6. strew or distribute over an area
    • He spread fertilizer over the lawn
    • scatter cards across the table

    Synonyms: spread, spread out

    Type of: circulate

    Kinds: manure, birdlime, circumfuse, distribute

    Related forms: scattering

scatter as a noun

  1. a haphazard distribution in all directions

    Synonyms: spread

    Type of: distribution

    Kinds: diffuseness

  2. the act of scattering

    Synonyms: scattering, strewing

    Type of: spread

How to pronounce scatter

scatter is pronounced /ˈskætə/ in British English and /ˈskætɚ/ in American English. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.

Words that rhyme with scatter

Scrabble score: 9 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with SC · words ending in ER · 7-letter words

More about scatter on Wikipedia.