[sweep] vb swept ; sweep.ing [ME swepen; akin to OE swapan to sweep, OHG sweifen to wander] vt (14c) 1 a: to remove from a surface with or as if with a broom or brush "swept the crumbs from the table" b: to destroy completely: wipe out--usu. used with away "everything she cherished, might be swept away overnight --Louis Bromfield" c: to remove or take with a single continuous forceful action "swept the books off the desk" d: to remove from sight or consideration "the problem can't be swept under the rug" e: to drive or carry along with irresistible force "a wave of protest that swept the opposition into office"
2. a: to clean with or as if with a broom or brush b: to clear by repeated and forcible action c: to move across or along swiftly, violently, or overwhelmingly "fire swept the business district --Amer. Guide Series: Md." d: to win an overwhelming victory in or on "~ the elections" e: to win all the games or contests of "~ a double-header" "~ a series"
3: to touch in passing with a swift continuous movement
4: to trace or describe the locus or extent of (as a line, circle, or angle)
5: to cover the entire range of "his eyes swept the horizon" ~ vi 1 a: to clean a surface with or as if with a broom b: to move swiftly, forcefully, or devastatingly "the wind swept through the treetops"
2: to go with stately or sweeping movements "proudly swept into the room"
3: to move or extend in a wide curve or range -- sweep one off one's feet : to gain immediate and unquestioning support, approval, or acceptance by a person -- sweep the board or sweep the table 1: to win all the bets on the table
2: to win everything: beat all competitors
[2]sweep n (1548) 1: something that sweeps or works with a sweeping motion: as a: a long pole or timber pivoted on a tall post and used to raise and lower a bucket in a well b: a triangular cultivator blade that cuts off weeds under the soil surface c: a windmill sail
2. a: an instance of sweeping; esp: a clearing out or away with or as if with a broom b: the removal from the table in one play in casino of all the cards by pairing or combining c: an overwhelming victory d: a winning of all the contests or prizes in a competition e: a wide-ranging search of an area (as by police) 3 a: a movement of great range and force b: a curving or circular course or line c: the compass of a sweeping movement: scope d: a broad unbroken area or extent e: an end run in football in which one or more linemen pull back and run interference for the ballcarrier
4: chimney sweep
5: sweepstakes
6: obliquity with respect to a reference line "~ of an airplane wing"; esp: sweepback
7. pl: a television ratings period during which surveys are taken to determine advertising rates syn see range