Sprawl

Sprawl describes the act of spreading out carelessly or awkwardly, often over a large area or in a relaxed manner. It can refer to the physical posture of a person or animal, the unchecked expansion of urban development, or the disorganized arrangement of things. The key aspect is the lack of control, neatness, or constraint. This can apply both literally to the way something takes up space and figuratively to the diffuse or poorly planned nature of something. sprawl often implies a lack of elegance or refinement, suggesting a casual or unorganized presence. The term can carry both neutral and negative connotations, depending on the context, ranging from a relaxed posture to the chaotic expansion of urban areas, often having detrimental consequences.

Sprawl meaning with examples

• Exhausted from the hike, the dog immediately flopped down on the cool grass and began to sprawl, limbs splayed in every direction. Its relaxed pose indicated complete contentment after the long day of walking. This relaxed state, in contrast to his usual alertness, provided welcome relief. It was as though the dog had surrendered to gravity, letting its body take up the maximum space possible.
• The city's uncontrolled urban sprawl resulted in traffic congestion, air pollution, and the destruction of natural habitats. The expansion happened in the form of development creeping steadily outwards, with little planning or concern for environmental impact, or any connection to existing centers. This uncontrolled expansion led to environmental concerns and social issues.
• After a long day at work, she'd come home and sprawl on the sofa, remote in hand, with the intention of simply resting. She didn't care about the appearance, merely the feeling of release from the tensions of the day. The relaxed position and the absence of any kind of effort indicated the ease of finally being able to rest. She was at peace.
• The artist's canvas presented a visual sprawl of colors and textures, reflecting her chaotic emotional state. The lack of any discernible order or design felt deliberate; each brushstroke seemed randomly applied. It was messy, uncontrolled, and yet, strangely, evocative of an untamed world, allowing the emotional state to convey a feeling of a lack of restraint and self-consciousness.