sweep

¹sweep

verb \ˈswēp\

swept\ˈswept\sweep·ing

Definition of SWEEP

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

: 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

Examples of SWEEP

1. He swept the dirt off the driveway.
2. He swept the crumbs from the table.
3. I need to sweep the kitchen.
4. Are you finished sweeping the porch?
5. A storm swept across the plains.
6. Fires swept through the forest.
7. She proudly swept into the room.
8. The limo swept up to the door.
9. He swept the curtains aside.
10. She swept the books off the desk.

Origin of SWEEP

Middle English swepen; akin to Old English swāpan to sweep, Old High German sweifen to wander

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SWEEP

Synonyms: bowl, breeze, brush, coast, cruise, drift, glide, roll, sail, skim, slide, slip, stream, flow, whisk

Antonyms: flounder, struggle

Related Words: fly, race, rush, speed

Near Antonyms: limp, lumber, plod, stumble, trudge; shamble, shuffle; stamp, stomp, stump, tramp; labor, toil

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with SWEEP

beep, bleep, cheap, cheep, creep, deep, heap, jeep, Jeep, keep, leap, neap, neep, peep, reap, seep, sheep, sleep, steep, threap, veep, weep