put about
To tell a rumour or story to many people, or (for a ship) to turn around.
Meanings
To spread a rumour, story, or piece of information among many people.
"Someone had put about the rumour that the company was going bankrupt, which caused panic among the staff."
(nautical) To change a ship's course, especially to sail in the opposite direction.
"The captain ordered the crew to put about as a storm was approaching from the south."
(British, dated) To cause someone distress or upset.
"She was much put about by the news of her neighbour's sudden departure."
The 'spread information' sense is mostly British English and somewhat formal or old-fashioned. The nautical sense is technical. 'Put about' can also mean to cause someone distress (British dialectal, archaic). The phrase 'much put about' means upset or troubled.
Commonly used with
Forms
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