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 verb1 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 movement4: 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 verb1 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 table2: to win everything : beat all competitors