distribute
 dis·trib·ute (dĭ-strĭbʹyo͞ot)v. dis·trib·ut·ed, dis·trib·ut·ing, dis·trib·utesv. tr.
1. To divide and dispense in portions.
2.
a. To supply (goods) to retailers.
b. To deliver or pass out:
distributing handbills on the street.
3.
a. To spread or diffuse over an area; scatter:
distribute grass seed over the lawn.
b. To apportion so as to be evenly spread throughout a given area:
180 pounds of muscle that were well distributed over his 6-foot frame.
4. To separate into categories; classify.
5. Logic. To use (a term) so as to include all individuals or entities of a given class.v. intr.
Mathematics. To be distributive. [Middle English distributen, from Latin distribuere, distribūt- : dis-, apart; see dis- + tribuere, to give; see tribute.]
Synonyms: distribute, divide, dispense, dole1, deal1, ration
These verbs mean to give out in portions or shares. Distribute is the least specific: The government distributed land to settlers. Divide implies giving out portions, often equal, on the basis of a plan or purpose: The estate will be divided among the heirs. Dispense stresses the careful determination of portions, often according to measurement or weight: The pharmacist dispensed the medication. Dole, often followed by out, implies careful, usually sparing measurement of portions. It can refer to the distribution of charity: The city doled out surplus milk to the needy. It can also suggest lack of generosity: The professor doled out meager praise to the students. Deal implies orderly, equitable distribution, often piece by piece: I dealt five cards to each player. Ration refers to equitable division in limited portions of scarce, often necessary, items: The government rationed fuel during the war.
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