zerstreuen

Zerstreuen is a German verb meaning to scatter, disperse, or, in a figurative sense, to distract or dissipate. It covers the dispersion of physical matter—such as seeds, leaves, or dust—as well as the dispersal of people, objects, or attention. In a more abstract use, it can describe the act of breaking focus or drawing attention away from a central point.

Etymology and form: The verb is formed from the root streuen (to scatter) with the prefix zer-, which intensifies the sense of breaking apart or dispersing. Zerstreuen can be used transitively (something is scattered) or intransitively (people or thoughts disperse). The past participle is zerstreut. In passive constructions one might see, for example, Die Blätter wurden zerstreut.

Usage notes: Zerstreuen often conveys deliberate dispersion or scattering across multiple locations, but it can also describe a natural or incidental spreading, such as wind or movement causing dispersion. In figurative language it can indicate distraction or weakening of a focus—for instance, Gedanken zerstreuen (to scatter one’s thoughts) or sich zerstreuen (to disperse or drift apart).

Example sentences:

- Der Wind zerstreute die Blätter im Hof.

- Nach dem Konzert zerstreute sich die Menge in verschiedene Richtungen.

- Die Partikel wurden gleichmäßig über die Oberfläche zerstreut.

- Seine Gedanken zerstreuen sich leicht, wenn er abgelenkt wird.

See also: verstreuen (similar sense with nuances), streuen (to scatter in a broader sense), Zerstreuung (noun form for the act or result of scattering or dispersion).