sprawl

• Nom désignant soit une vaste zone urbaine qui s'étend de manière désordonnée, soit une posture négligée et avachie, les membres étendus.

A noun referring to either an extensive, spread-out urban area or an awkward, sprawling posture with limbs extended.

1. Urban expansionB2formal

   The spread of a city and its suburbs over a large area, often in a disorganized or uncontrolled way.

   Étalement urbain

   • Urban sprawl has consumed much of the surrounding farmland.
   • The city's sprawl makes public transportation difficult.
   • Environmentalists are concerned about the effects of suburban sprawl.

   Synonymesdevelopmentexpansiongrowthspreadurbanization

   Antonymesconcentrationcondensationdensification

2. Sprawling postureB1informal

   A position where a person lies or sits with their arms and legs spread out awkwardly.

   Position avachie

   • He lay in a comfortable sprawl on the sofa.
   • The child fell asleep in a sprawl on the floor.
   • She was in a relaxed sprawl on the grass.

• Verbe utilisé pour décrire le fait de s'étendre de manière désordonnée ou irrégulière, souvent en parlant de l'expansion urbaine ou d'une posture corporelle relâchée.

A verb used to describe the act of spreading out in an untidy or irregular manner, often referring to urban expansion or a relaxed body position.

1. Spread out limbsB2formal

   To sit or lie with one's arms and legs spread out in a relaxed or careless manner.

   S'étaler de tout son long

   • He sprawled on the sofa after a long day at work.
   • The cat sprawled lazily in the sun.
   • She sprawled across the bed, exhausted.

   Synonymesfloplollloungeslouchspread outstretch out

   Antonymescurlfoldtuck

2. Spread irregularlyB2formal

   To spread out over a large area in an untidy or irregular way, often referring to urban development or vegetation.

   s'étaler de manière irrégulière

   • The city sprawled across the valley without any planning.
   • Ivy sprawled over the old stone wall.
   • The suburbs sprawled outward from the city center.

   Synonymesextendoverflowramblespreadstragglestretchtrail

   Antonymesclustercompact