Definition: Pass from place to place or person to person. [Oxford Dictionary](在一定范围内传播物品、刊物或思想、语言等)

Example:

Rumors began to circulate about his financial problems.

有关他财务困难的谣言开始流传开来。

The company formally apologised to the community and circulated a leaflet explaining what had happened.

公司正式向社区道歉，并发了传单，解释了事情经过。

Definition: Spread and promote (an idea, theory, etc.) widely. [Oxford Dictionary]( 散播，宣传（观点、信仰等）)

Example:

This is the worst way to propagate information because important details get lost.

这是信息传播的最坏方式，因为重要细节都被忽略了。

Television advertising propagates a false image of the ideal family.

电视广告传播着理想家庭的一种假象。

Definition: Distribute or disperse (something) over an area. Gradually reach or cause to reach a wider area or more people. [Oxford Dictionary](传播疾病、思想、文化、习惯或谣言等)

Example:

The disease spreads easily.

这种疾病容易传播。

Within weeks, his confidence had spread throughout the team.

短短几个星期，他的信心感染了全体队员。

The craze for roller skating spread throughout the U.S.

滑旱冰在全美风靡一时。