disperse
UK: dɪˈspɜːs | US: dɪˈspɜːrs
vt./vi. 1. To scatter or spread over a wide area.
vt./vi. 2. To cause to vanish or dissolve (e.g., a crowd or mist).
adj. 3. (Rare) Scattered or distributed thinly.
The word "disperse" originates from Latin dispersus, the past participle of dispergere, combining dis- (apart) and spargere (to scatter). The morpheme perse evolved from spargere, retaining the core idea of scattering. Over time, the prefix dis- reinforced the notion of separation, giving the word its modern meaning of widespread distribution or dissolution.
The wind quickly disperse the clouds.
Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters.
Seeds disperse naturally through wind and animals.
The crowd began to disperse after the concert ended.
Sunlight helps disperse morning fog.