overspread

[ oh-ver-spred ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·spread, o·ver·spread·ing.

1. to spread or diffuse over:

   A blush of embarrassment overspread his face.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overspread¹

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

Example Sentences

Under the widely accepted 19th century doctrine expressed by a newspaper editor in 1845, many Americans believed it was “by right of our manifest destiny to overspread and to possess the whole of the continent.”

From Washington Post

By this evening, steady rain is expected to overspread the entire region.

From Washington Post

These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.

From The Daily Beast

He told her on what errand he had been, and alarm overspread her face upon hearing its result.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the first time she had admitted it, and a glow overspread her face, blotching it with red spots.

From Project Gutenberg

The captain closed one eye, and a leer of subtle cunning overspread his face.

From Project Gutenberg

She saw him look at her, and a quick flush overspread her thin, pale cheeks as she detected his look.

From Project Gutenberg

Aratov observed also the expression of weariness which now overspread all her stern features.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• carpeted
• dotted
• overgrown