Definition of DISSEMINATES (original) (raw)
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While the object of the verb disseminate may be something tangible, such as an infectious agent, nowadays the thing most often disseminated, or "spread abroad as though sowing seed," is information. Where does this metaphorical verb come from? In Latin, the dis- prefix signifies separation or dispersal, while the -sem- element springs from semen "seed." The same Latin noun is found in a number of other English words with figurative meanings: seminary (which now is a training facility for priests, but initially was a place where seeds were raised to plants), seminal (meaning "containing the seeds of later development"), and yes, the word semen.
Synonyms
Examples of disseminate in a Sentence
He told me that as Commanding General [General David Petraeus] he believes he should not only direct battlefield action but also disseminate a few easy-to-grasp concepts about the war's prosecution, which subordinate officers can then interpret on their own. —
Steve Coll, New Yorker, 8 Sept. 2008 Jefferson helped found and back a friendly newspaper, the National Gazette, to help disseminate his views. —Walter Kim, Time, 5 July 2004 In this case, the filmmakers did not prevent information from being disseminated. And they have no greater moral obligation than do the highly paid Tom Brokaw or Dan Rather to help a TV network keep down its costs. —Randy Cohen, New York Times Magazine, 7 Oct. 2001 Although possession of virus software and source code is not illegal, many of the existing state and federal computer intrusion and unauthorized access laws already make it illegal to introduce a virus into someone's system intentionally. Robert Morris's conviction … shows how the existing laws might be used to punish those involved with disseminating viruses. —Edward A. Cavazos et al., Cyberspace And The Law, 1994
The Internet allows us to disseminate information faster. The findings were widely disseminated.
Recent Examples on the Web All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. —Todd Gordon, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2024 The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene established a dedicated Misinformation Response Unit to focus on monitoring misinformation, rapidly responding by disseminating accurate information related to vaccine safety. —Michael Vandergriff, TIME, 11 Sep. 2024 Humber allegedly narrated the publication and disseminated it in audiobook form. —Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2024 Using apps and social media to provide real-time weather updates and safety instructions to attendees is becoming standard practice, ensuring that crucial information can be disseminated quickly and effectively. —Jim Foerster, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disseminate 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disseminate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Latin disseminatus, past participle of disseminare, from dis- + seminare to sow, from semin-, semen seed — more at semen
First Known Use
1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of disseminate was in 1566
Dictionary Entries Near disseminate
Cite this Entry
“Disseminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disseminate. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 23 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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