literally "splayed eagle," 1560s, a heraldic term, from past participle adjective of spread (v.). Common on signs, flags, etc; the colloquial term was from split crow. The figure is on the seal of the United States (hence spreadeagleism "extravagant laudation of the U.S.," 1858). Meaning "person secured with arms and legs stretched out" (originally to be flogged) is attested from 1785.
权威例句
1. The conditions are ripe for the spread of disease.
这种疾病传播的条件已经成熟。
2. Sex education is also expected to help check the spread of AIDS.
人们还希望性教育有助于控制艾滋病的蔓延。
3. The move follows growing public concern over the spread of the disease.
针对公众对该疾病的不断蔓延日益担忧,从而出台了这一举措。
4. He campaigned for peace and against the spread of nuclear weapons.
他为裁军运动和反对核武器扩散而奔走。
5. He was fed-up with the lies being spread about him.