I tried to correct myself as I turned, spreading my hands wide apart. (Para.1)
Meaning: I tried to correct my actions as I turned, and separated my hands as wide apart as possible.
apart: ad. separate by a distance
The two houses stand apart and there is a path between them wide enough for two cars to pass at the same time. 两栋房子隔着一段距离，中间有条道路，其宽度足可以同时通过两辆轿车。
The two sportsmen stood apart, waiting for the signal to fight.两个运动员分开站着，等待信号开始比赛。