/ ˈswiːpɪŋ; NAmE / adjective
1.
[ usually before noun ] having an important effect on a large part of sth :
sweeping reforms / changes
Security forces were given sweeping powers to search homes.
2.
[ usually before noun ] ( disapproving ) too general and failing to think about or understand particular examples :
a sweeping generalization / statement
3.
sweeping victory a victory by a large number of votes, etc.
4.
[ only before noun ] forming a curved shape :
a sweeping gesture (= with your hand or arm)
a sweeping staircase