disseminate

[dih-sem-uh-neyt]

verb (used with object)

disseminated, disseminating 

1. to scatter or spread widely, as though sowing seed; promulgate extensively; broadcast; disperse.

   to disseminate information about preventive medicine.

disseminate

/ dɪˈsɛmɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to distribute or scatter about; diffuse

Other Word Forms

• dissemination noun
• disseminative adjective
• disseminator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disseminate¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin dissēminātus (past participle of dissēmināre; dis- dis- ¹ + sēmināre “to sow”), equivalent to dis- + sēmin- (stem of sēmen “seed”) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of disseminate¹

C17: from Latin dissēmināre, from _dis- ¹ + sēmināre to sow, from sēmen seed

Example Sentences

He has disseminated false claims that vaccines are dangerous or that they cause autism.

From Salon

Army Corps personnel tried to disseminate sign-up instructions and appeal to the public at press conferences and community meetings.

From Los Angeles Times

Vera wrote that he expected federal authorities to disseminate the order to their officers and agents in the field.

From Los Angeles Times

Once they regained their master tapes, they licensed their catalog to reissue labels and kept a vigilant eye on how their recordings were disseminated in the marketplace.

From Los Angeles Times

But it was reposted by multiple other accounts and disseminated further through “stitches” of individuals reacting to the post on TikTok and other platforms.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advertise 
• circulate 
• disperse 
• propagate 
• publicize 
• publish 

When To Use

What does disseminate mean?

To disseminate is to distribute, spread, broadcast, or disperse widely.The act or process of disseminating is dissemination.The word is especially used in reference to the distribution of information, or things that contain information, like files and documents.It is also associated with the official release of such information by organizations, such as a company that disseminates a press release or a government agency that disseminates information to the public.Example: Our chief media officer is responsible for disseminating press releases to various outlets.