To scatter abroad so as to drive to different parts; to distribute; to diffuse; to spread; to scatter, so as to cause to vanish; to dissipate; as, to disperse vapors
When something disperses or when you disperse it, it spreads over a wide area. The oil appeared to be dispersing The intense currents disperse the sewage
When a group of people disperses or when someone disperses them, the group splits up and the people leave in different directions. Police fired shots and used teargas to disperse the demonstrators The crowd dispersed peacefully after prayers. = break up
move away from each other; "The crowds dispersed"; "The children scattered in all directions when the teacher approached"; to cause to separate and go in different directions; "She waved her hand and scattered the crowds