1 [+ obj] a : to open, arrange, or place (something) over a large area
▪ The newspaper was spread across his lap. ▪ Her notes were spread all over the desk. ▪ Help me spread the cloth on the table. — often + out ▪ He spread out the map on the table. = He spread the map out on the table. ▪ The cards were spread out across the table. ▪ The city is spread out over a wide area. [=the city covers a wide area]
b : to place (things) over a large area
▪ We spread fertilizer on our yard. ▪ The seeds are spread by wind, birds, and animals. 2 a [no obj] : to become larger or to affect a larger area : to move into more places
▪ The fire spread quickly through the building. ▪ The cancer has spread to her throat. ▪ The use of computer technology has spread into all fields of work. ▪ The odor spread throughout the room. ▪ The plant will spread. [=the plant will produce more plants in the area around it] ▪ The fashion quickly spread from France to England.
b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to be present in more places throughout a large area
▪ Flies spread diseases. ▪ Missionaries were sent to the colonies to spread Christianity. ▪ The religion was spread through/over much of Europe. 3 a [no obj] : to pass from person to person
▪ Her determination and desire to win spread to the other players.
b [no obj] : to become known by many people
▪ The rumor spread quickly. ▪ The news spread like wildfire. [=the news became known very quickly]
c [+ obj] : to cause (something) to become known by many people
▪ He was spreading lies/gossip/rumors about her. ▪ People are spreading the word [=telling others] about his book. 4 : to move (parts of your body) outward or away from each other [+ obj] ▪ She spread [=stretched] her arms wide and hugged him. ▪ The bird spreads its wings. ▪ Spread your fingers wide apart. — often + out ▪ Spread out your toes. = Spread your toes out. ▪ There's no room on the couch to spread yourself out. ▪ Spread your arms out. [no obj] — + out ▪ There's no room on the couch to spread out. [=stretch out] 5 [no obj] of a smile or other facial expression : to appear and slowly grow more apparent
▪ A smile slowly spread across her face. ▪ A look of disbelief spread across/over their faces. 6 [+ obj] : to put a layer of (something) on top of something else
▪ He spread butter on the bread. = He spread the bread with butter. ▪ She carefully spread the plaster over the hole. ▪ Spread the glue evenly on the paper. 7 [+ obj] : to divide up (something) over a period of time or among members of a group
▪ The payments are spread over a period of six years. ▪ You should spread the wealth. [=share your money or good fortune with others] — often + out ▪ I plan to spread the work out over the next couple of weeks. ▪ The course is spread out over two semesters.