This is the 13521st most frequent German word.
breitet
"Breitet" means "spreads" or "extends."
Here, 'breitet' is used to describe the action of spreading, specifically an object like a blanket being spread out.
Er breitet die Decke auf dem Boden aus.
He spreads the blanket on the floor.
In this sentence, 'breitet' is used reflexively ('breitet sich') to indicate something dispersing or extending itself, in this case, fire.
Das Feuer breitet sich schnell über die Landschaft aus.
The fire spreads quickly across the landscape.
In this instance, 'breitet' conveys the dissemination or sharing of abstract concepts, like knowledge or joy.