spawn
word
Definition
To produce or lay eggs, especially by fish or amphibians; also, to create or give rise to something, often used for new things appearing or being created.
Usage & Nuances
Formal in biology when referring to eggs, but widely used informally to mean 'give rise to' (e.g. 'The internet spawned new businesses'). In gaming, 'spawn' means when characters or items appear. Often used in passive forms: 'was spawned by'. Don't confuse with 'spawn' as a noun (the eggs themselves or offspring).
Example Sentences
The frog laid its spawn in the pond.
basic
Salmon spawn in freshwater rivers every year.
basic
New technologies can spawn many jobs.
basic
The video game character will spawn at this location after you die.
natural
That movie really spawned a whole new genre of films.
natural
The rumors quickly spawned gossip throughout the office.
natural