scatter
UK: ˈskætə | US: ˈskætər
vt. to throw or disperse in various directions
vi. to separate and move in different directions
n. a small, dispersed amount of something
scatter = scat<to throw, to dash> + er<verb-forming suffix>
- scat (from Middle English scatten, meaning "to throw or dash")
- er (a common English verb-forming suffix, indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "scatter" originated in Middle English as scateren, derived from the frequentative form of scatten ("to throw"). The root scat- likely imitates the sound or motion of things being thrown or dispersed, while the suffix -er reinforces the verb's action-oriented meaning. Over time, it evolved to describe both the act of dispersing and the state of being dispersed.
The wind began to scatter the leaves across the yard.
Birds scattered in all directions when the dog barked.
She scattered seeds in the garden for the birds.
The crowd scattered quickly when the rain started.
A scatter of stars was visible in the night sky.