From Old English 'sprǣdan' (to extend), from PIE *sper- (to scatter) — related to 'sprout' through the idea of scattering outward.
To open out over a larger area; to extend over a wide area.
From Old English 'sprǣdan' meaning 'to spread, extend, stretch out,' from Proto-Germanic *spraidijaną (to spread), from PIE *sper- (to strew, sow, scatter). Related to 'sprout' and German 'spreiten.' Key roots: *sper- (PIE: "to strew, scatter").