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sprawl

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sprawl about

 and sprawl around

to slouch or lounge somewhere; to spread oneself out casually while lounging. (Usually refers to habitual action, perhaps in a number of places.) He sprawled about, loafing the afternoon away. When I came into the room, four teenage boys were sprawled around the furniture, watching television.

See also: sprawl

sprawl out

to spread oneself out casually while lounging. (Usually done one time, not habitually. Compare this with sprawl about.) He sprawled out and took up most of the space. I need more room so I can sprawl out.

See also: out, sprawl

sprawl out

v.

1. To cause something to spread out in a straggling or disordered fashion: The detective sprawled the evidence out on the desk. The mechanic sprawled out the parts so that they would be easy to find. My papers are sprawled out on the desk.

2. To be spread out in a straggling or disordered fashion: Shoddy apartment buildings sprawled out across the valley.

3. To sit or lie with the body and limbs spread out awkwardly: I sprawled out on the chair, but I sat up straight when my mother walked into the room.

4. To extend oneself when lying down or sitting so that the body and limbs spread out awkwardly: I yawned and sprawled myself out in the hammock. The security guard is sprawled out in the chair, fast asleep.

See also: out, sprawl