put about

The phrase "put about" has nautical origins but is also used in everyday language to describe the act of spreading information or rumors.

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Definition

B2Nautical

(technical, nautical)To change the direction of a vessel, especially by turning it around.

Example

  • The captain ordered the crew to put about and return to the harbor.
  • After encountering rough seas, they had to put about for safety.

B2Communication

(informal, British English)To spread rumors or information, often casually or indirectly.

Example

  • Someone has been putting about false rumors about the new manager.
  • They put about the news of the upcoming event to generate interest.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "put about":

put byput it aboutput beforeput forthput forwardput upput input overput acrossput up onput oneself aboutput outthrow aboutput onput backput throughput one overget aboutset aboutpost upgive abouttalk up