In optics, to reflect diffusely or irregularly, as from a rough surface.
To throw loosely about; strew; sprinkle.
To besprinkle or strew as with something thrown here and there.
To separate and drive off in disorder and in all directions; rout; put to disorderly retreat or flight; disperse; dissipate: as, to scatter an enemy's forces; to scatter a mob.
Hence To throw into confusion; overthrow; dispel; put to flight: as, to scatter hopes, fears, plans, etc.
To let fall as by accident or at random; drop.
Synonyms To diffuse, spread, distribute.
3 and Disperse, Dispel, etc. See dissipate.
To separate and disperse; proceed in different directions; hence, to go hither and thither at random.
Specifically, to throw shot too loosely or without concentration of the charge: said of a gun.