American English
/ˈskæ.ɾɚz/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Related entry: scatter
to spread things over a wide area, often by throwing or dropping them
Practice out loudto spread things over a wide area, often by throwing or dropping them
The farmer scattered seeds across the field.
The wind scattered papers all over the street.
scatter seeds · scatter papers · scatter petals · scatter ashes
someone + scatter + something + across/over + a place
to move quickly away from one another in different directions, especially as a group
The crowd scattered when the police arrived.
The birds scattered as the dog ran toward them.
It usually describes a group moving apart, not one person moving away.
scatter in all directions · scatter the crowd
a group + scatter + in different directions
to be spread out over an area, with separate people or things in different places
Small towns are scattered across the valley.
The houses are scattered around the island.
be scattered across the country · be scattered around the world · scattered villages
something + be + scattered + across/over + a place
to spread or leave things in different places
The children scattered toys around the room.
The final t doubles before -ed and -ing: scattered, scattering.