Disperse, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dispersed; p. pr. & vb. n. Dispersing.]
Etymology: [L. dispersus, p. p. of dispergere to strew, scatter. See Sparse.]
1. To scatter abroad; to drive to different parts; to distribute; to diffuse; to spread; as, the Jews are dispersed among all nations. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge. Prov. xv. 7. Two lions, in the still, dark night, A herd of beeves disperse. Cowper.
2. To scatter, so as to cause to vanish; to dissipate; as, to disperse vapors. Dispersed are the glories. Shak.
Syn. -- To scatter; dissipate; dispel; spread; diffuse; distribute; deal out; disseminate.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Disperse, v. i.
1. To separate; to go or move into different parts; to vanish; as, the company dispersed at ten o'clock; the clouds disperse.
2. To distribute wealth; to share one's abundance with others. He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor. Ps. cxii. 9.