distribute > define

verb

• Administer or bestow, as in small portions.
  • usage: "administer critical remarks to everyone present"; "dole out some money"; "shell out pocket money for the children"; "deal a blow to someone"; "the machine dispenses soft drinks"
  • synonyms: administer, mete out, deal, parcel out, lot, dispense, shell out, deal out, dish out, allot, dole out
• Distribute or disperse widely.
  • usage: "The invaders spread their language all over the country"
  • synonyms: spread
• Make available.
  • usage: "The publisher wants to distribute the book in Asia"
• Give to several people.
  • usage: "The teacher handed out the exams"
  • synonyms: give out, hand out, pass out
• Cause be distributed.
  • usage: "This letter is being circulated among the faculty"
  • synonyms: circulate, pass around, pass on
• Cause to become widely known.
  • usage: "spread information"; "circulate a rumor"; "broadcast the news"
  • synonyms: circulate, circularize, circularise, disseminate, propagate, broadcast, spread, diffuse, disperse, pass around
• Spread throughout a given area.
  • usage: "the function distributes the values evenly"
• Be distributed or spread, as in statistical analyses.
  • usage: "Values distribute"
• Be mathematically distributive.
• To arrange in a systematic order.
  • usage: "stagger the chairs in the lecture hall"
  • synonyms: stagger

• (v.i.) To make distribution.
• (v.t.) To divide or separate, as into classes, orders, kinds or species; to classify; to assort, as specimens, letters, etc.
• (v.t.) To employ (a term) in its whole extent; to take as universal in one premise.
• (v.t.) To separate (type which has been used) and return it to the proper boxes in the cases.
• (v.t.) To spread (ink) evenly, as upon a roller or a table.
• (v.t.) To divide among several or many; to deal out; to apportion; to allot.
• (v.t.) To dispense; to administer; as, to distribute justice.