diffuse

diffuses, diffusing, diffused

(The verb is pronounced [[t]dɪfju͟ːz[/t]]. The adjective is pronounced [[t]dɪfju͟ːs[/t]].)

1) V-ERG If something such as knowledge or information is diffused, or if it diffuses somewhere, it is made known over a wide area or to a lot of people. [WRITTEN]

[be V-ed] Over time, however, the technology is diffused and adopted by other countries.

[V n] ...to diffuse new ideas obtained from elsewhere...

[V prep] As agriculture developed, was it the ideas of agriculture that diffused across Europe? Or the people that moved with their ideas?

Syn:

spread

Derived words:

diffusion [[t]dɪfju͟ːʒ(ə)n[/t]] N-UNCOUNT with supp

...the development and diffusion of ideas.

2) VERB To diffuse a feeling, especially an undesirable one, means to cause it to weaken and lose its power to affect people.

[V n] The arrival of letters from the Pope did nothing to diffuse the tension.

Syn:

dissipate

3) VERB If something diffuses light, it causes the light to spread weakly in different directions.

[V n] Diffusing a light also reduces its power...

[V n] The sun slid behind trees, its last light diffused by wintry branches.

Ant:

focus

4) V-ERG To diffuse or be diffused through something means to move and spread through it.

[V prep] It allows nicotine to diffuse slowly and steadily into the bloodstream...

[V prep] It created a glowing centre of warmth that quickly diffused through my limbs...

[V n prep] The moisture present in all foods absorbs the flavour of the smoke and eventually diffuses that flavour into its interior. [Also V, V n]

Syn:

permeate

Derived words:

diffusion N-UNCOUNT with supp

There are data on the rates of diffusion of molecules.

5) ADJ-GRADED Something that is diffuse is not directed towards one place or concentrated in one place but spread out over a large area. [WRITTEN]

...a diffuse community...

A cold, diffuse light filtered in through the skylight.

6) ADJ-GRADED If you describe something as diffuse, you mean that it is vague and difficult to understand or explain.

His writing is so diffuse, obscure, and overwrought that it is difficult to make out what it is he is trying to say.