overspread

[oh-ver-spred]

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verb (used with object), o·ver·spread, o·ver·spread·ing.

to spread or diffuse over: A blush of embarrassment overspread his face.

Origin of overspread

before 1000; Middle English overspreden, Old English ofersprǣdan. See over-, spread

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for overspread

overgrown, dotted, raid, violate, plunder, pillage, ravage, occupy, breach, storm, infect, penetrate, loot, infest, overrun, inundate, deluge, overwhelm, choke, beset

Examples from the Web for overspread

Historical Examples of overspread

We reached Penrith as the grey of dawn had overspread the sky.
Recollections of Dante Gabriel Rossetti
T. Hall Caine
A vivid flame of scarlet had overspread the Duke's countenance.
The Strolling Saint
Raphael Sabatini
But the radiance that now overspread it was from an inward source.
The Sea-Hawk
Raphael Sabatini
Watching her he beheld the scarlet stain that overspread her face.
Scaramouche
Rafael Sabatini
The stern, dark face of the Alcalde was overspread by a grim smile.
The Historical Nights Entertainment, Second Series
Rafael Sabatini

Word Origin and History for overspread

c.1200, "to spread throughout," from over- + spread (v.). Related: Overspread (past tense); overspreading. Old English had ofersprædan "to overlay, cover."