Main Entry: ¹sweep

Pronunciation: \ˈswēp\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): 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 : 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