swing

¹swing

verb \ˈswiŋ\

swung\ˈswəŋ\swing·ing\ˈswiŋ-iŋ\

Definition of SWING

transitive verb

1

a : to cause to move vigorously through a wide arc or circle <swing an ax> b : to cause to sway to and fro c (1) : to cause to turn on an axis (2) : to cause to face or move in another direction <swing the car into a side road>

2

: to suspend so as to permit swaying or turning

3

: to convey by suspension <cranes swinging cargo into the ship's hold>

4

a (1) : to influence decisively <swing a lot of votes> (2) : to bring around by influence b : to handle successfully : manage <wasn't able to swing a new car on his income> <swing a deal>

5

: to play or sing (as a melody) in the style of swing music

intransitive verb

1

: to move freely to and fro especially in suspension from an overhead support

2

a : to die by hanging b : to hang freely from a support

3

: to move in or describe a circle or arc: a : to turn on a hinge or pivot b : to turn in place c : to convey oneself by grasping a fixed support <swing aboard the train>

4

a : to have a steady pulsing rhythm b : to play or sing with a lively compelling rhythm; specifically : to play swing music

5

: to shift or fluctuate from one condition, form, position, or object of attention or favor to another <swing constantly from optimism to pessimism and back — Sinclair Lewis>

6

a : to move along rhythmically b : to start up in a smooth vigorous manner <ready to swing into action>

7

: to hit or aim at something with a sweeping arm movement

8

a : to be lively, exciting, and up-to-date b : to engage freely in sex

Examples of SWING

1. The sheets swung on the clothesline.
2. The clock's pendulum stopped swinging.
3. She sat on the edge of the table, swinging her legs.
4. The monkeys were swinging from branch to branch high up in the trees.
5. I swung my suitcase into the backseat of the car.
6. She sat on the counter and swung her legs over to the other side.
7. She swung the door open.
8. Be careful how you swing that ax.
9. She swung the bat but missed the ball.
10. She swung her purse at me.

Origin of SWING

Middle English, to beat, fling, hurl, rush, from Old English swingan to beat, fling oneself, rush; akin to Old High German swingan to fling, rush

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to SWING

Synonyms: detour, deviate, diverge, sheer, swerve, turn, turn off, veer, wheel

Related Words: tack, zigzag; double (back), turn back

Near Antonyms: botch, bungle, foozle, fumble, goof (up), louse up, mess (up), mishandle, muff, scamp

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of SWING

swing, wave, flourish, brandish, thrash mean to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down. swing implies regular or uniform movement <swing the rope back and forth>. wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion <waving the flag>. flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement <flourished the winning lottery ticket>. brandish implies threatening or menacing motion <brandishing a knife>. thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement <an infant thrashing his arms about>.swing, sway, oscillate, vibrate, fluctuate, waver, undulate mean to move from one direction to its opposite. swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side <the door suddenly swung open>. sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement <trees swaying in the breeze>. oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction <an oscillating fan>. vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact <the vibrating strings of a piano>. fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value <fluctuating interest rates>. waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering <the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing>. undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion <an undulating sea of grass>.

Rhymes with SWING

bring, Ching, cling, ding, fling, king, ling, Ming, ping, ring, sing, sling, spring, sting, string, thing, wing, wring, zing