disperse

disperse

verb

Definition of DISPERSE

1

to go off in different directions and cease to exist as a body or unified whole <the crowd dispersed once the show ended>

Synonyms disassemble, dissipate, dissolve, scatter

Related Words branch (out), break up, disband, diverge, divide, fork, separate, spill; clear, disappear, evanesce, evaporate, fade, flee, go (away), melt

Near Antonyms congregate, gather, meet

2

to cause (members of a group) to move widely apart <the family of the missing woman dispersed searchers to all corners of the national park>

Synonyms clear out, disband, dispel, disperse, dissipate, squander

Related Words break up, isolate, part, segregate, separate, split (up); diffuse, disseminate, diverge, spread

Near Antonyms agglutinate, conglomerate; unify, unite

Antonyms assemble, cluster, collect, concentrate, congregate, gather, ingather

3

to cease to exist or cause to cease to exist as a group or organization <the campaign staff dispersed almost immediately after the election>

Synonyms break up, disperse, dissolve

Related Words demobilize

Near Antonyms incorporate; consolidate; hang together

Antonyms band, join, unite