I. ˈswēp verb
( swept ˈswept ; sweep·ing )
Etymology: Middle English swepen; akin to Old English swāpan to sweep, Old High German sweifen to wander
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
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 — usually 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 — American Guide Series: Maryland
d. : to win an overwhelming victory in or on
sweep the elections
e. : to win all the games or contests of
sweep a double-header
sweep 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
intransitive verb
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
- sweep the board
II. noun
Date: 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 ; especially : 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
a sweep of wildflowers
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
sweep of an airplane wing
especially : sweepback
7. plural : a television ratings period during which surveys are taken to determine advertising rates
Synonyms: see range
[
sweep 1a
]