​to become more independent and confident and try new activities, etc. Going to college gave her the chance to spread her wings. spread the word.

to consider a wide range of possibilities or cover a large area, especially to try to find someone or something They have spread their net far and wide in the ...

[uncountable] an increase in the amount or number of something that there is, or in the area that is affected by something. measures to halt the spread of ...

range/variety. [countable, usually singular] a range or variety of people or things a broad spread of opinions There was a good spread of scores on the test.

There are 58 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb spread, six of which are labelled obsolete. See 'Meaning & use' for definitions, usage, ...

spread out · ​to stretch your body or arrange your things over a large area. There's more room to spread out in first class. Do you have to spread yourself out ...

to separate from other people in a group, to cover a larger area The searchers spread out to cover the area faster.

(also spread-eagle) [not usually before noun] in a position with your arms and legs spread out. He lay spread-eagled on the floor.

spread verb [I/T] (MOVE). to move from one place to another, or to cause something to move or be communicated: [ I ] The flames quickly spread to the next room.

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun spread charge. See 'Meaning & use' for definition, usage, and quotation evidence. This word is now obsolete. It ...