Sweep (Verb)
Meaning 1
Force into some kind of situation, condition, or course of action; "They were swept up by the events"; "don't drag me into this business".
Classification
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.
Examples
- She was swept into a whirlwind romance with a charming stranger she met on vacation.
- The children were swept up in the excitement of the birthday party preparations.
- He was swept into the world of politics by a powerful politician who saw his potential.
- The new employee was swept into a series of training sessions with little time to settle in.
- The country was swept into a state of panic by the rapid spread of the disease.
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Meaning 2
Sweep across or over; "Her long skirt brushed the floor"; "A gasp swept cross the audience".
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Examples
- A massive fire swept across the wildfire-prone area in just hours.
- A feeling of nostalgia swept over her as she walked through her childhood neighborhood.
- A wave of excitement swept across the crowd as the rock band stepped onto the stage.
- The scent of freshly baked cookies swept through the entire house, tempting everyone.
- A chill swept over him as he realized he was being watched by someone in the shadows.
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Meaning 3
Clean by sweeping; "Please sweep the floor".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
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Meaning 4
Cover the entire range of.
Classification
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.
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Meaning 5
To cover or extend over an area or time period; "Rivers traverse the valley floor"; "The parking lot spans 3 acres"; "The novel spans three centuries".
Classification
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.
Examples
- The movement's influence began to sweep the entire nation by the mid-1990s.
- A landscape of golden wheat fields seemed to sweep across the horizon.
- The novel's epic story of love and loss sweep hundreds of years.
- Her artwork spanned decades, but this one particular style seemed to sweep the art world.
- The silence in the room would occasionally sweep in, an unsettling contrast to the previous raucous atmosphere.
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Meaning 6
Move with sweeping, effortless, gliding motions; "The diva swept into the room"; "Shreds of paper sailed through the air"; "The searchlights swept across the sky".
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Examples
- The model glided down the catwalk as she swept past the stunned onlookers with her extravagant gown.
- The majestic eagle spread its wings and swept through the clear blue sky, its shadow dancing below.
- As the massive doors swung open, the elegant actress swept into the crowded ballroom with poise and confidence.
- The newlywed couple swept across the dance floor in perfect harmony, their happiness radiating to everyone.
- The roller coaster cars swept down the steep slope, screaming passengers filling the evening air with joyful shrieks.
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Meaning 7
Make a big sweeping gesture or movement.
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
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Meaning 8
Sweep with a broom or as if with a broom; "Sweep the crumbs off the table"; "Sweep under the bed".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- Sweep the floor before we start painting the walls.
- She gently sweep the dust off the piano keys with her fingers.
- To get rid of the cobwebs, sweep the corners of the room with a broom.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to sweep away the debris from the antique vase.
- Be sure to sweep under the furniture for any lost or misplaced items.
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Meaning 9
Win an overwhelming victory in or on; "Her new show dog swept all championships".
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.