sweep Definition
- 1clean (an area) by brushing away dirt or litter
- 2move quickly and smoothly in a particular direction
- 3win (a series of games, matches, or votes)
- 4search (an area) for something
- 5a wide-ranging search of an area or place
Using sweep: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sweep" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She swept the floor with a broom.
Example
The wind swept through the trees.
Example
The party swept to power in the election.
Example
The police are sweeping the area for clues.
Example
The company conducted a sweep of all its offices.
sweep Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using sweep
Example
The new CEO made a clean sweep of the company's management team.
Example
The government has been accused of sweeping the issue of police brutality under the carpet.
Example
The film swept the board at the Oscars, winning six awards.
Phrases with sweep
Example
He swept aside my objections and went ahead with his plan.
Example
He swept her off her feet with his charm and good looks.
Example
The company tried to sweep the scandal under the rug, but it eventually became public.
Origins of sweep
Old English 'swāpan', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'zwaaien' and German 'schweifen'
Summary: sweep in Brief
The verb 'sweep' [swiːp] can mean to clean an area by brushing away dirt or litter, move quickly and smoothly in a particular direction, win a series of games, matches, or votes, or search an area for something. It can also refer to a wide-ranging search of an area or place. Phrases like 'sweep aside' and 'sweep under the rug' denote dismissing or hiding something, while 'sweep off one's feet' means to fall suddenly and completely in love with someone. 'Sweep' extends into idioms like 'make a clean sweep,' meaning to completely remove something.
