SCATTER

[verb] - to (cause to) move far apart in different directions, or to cover (a surface) with things that are far apart and in no particular arrangementThe policeman blew his whistle and the students scattered in all directions. [I]The protesters scattered at the sound of gunshots. [I]The soldiers came in and scattered the crowd. [T]Scatter some of this powder round the plants and they will grow better. [T]I scattered grass seed all over the lawn. [T]I scattered the whole lawn with grass seed. [T](literary) To scatter something to the (four) winds is to cause or allow it to be blown away.(figurative) It was the finest collection of paintings in Denmark, but during the last war it was broken up and scattered to the four winds (= parts of it went to different places, so it no longer exists).Scatter rugs and (UK and ANZ) scatter cushions are small decorative rugs and cushions that are designed to be moved around.Why don't we hide that stain on the carpet with a scatter rug?(UK and ANZ) A few scatter cushions would help to brighten up that old sofa.