sweep

I. verb (swept; sweeping) 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 II. noun Date: 1548 1. something that sweeps or works with a sweeping motion: as a. a long pole or timber pivoted on a tall post and used to raise and lower a bucket in a well b. a triangular cultivator blade that cuts off weeds under the soil surface c. a windmill sail 2. a. an instance of sweeping; especially a clearing out or away with or as if with a broom b. the removal from the table in one play in casino of all the cards by pairing or combining c. an overwhelming victory d. a winning of all the contests or prizes in a competition e. a wide-ranging search of an area (as by police) 3. a. a movement of great range and force b. a curving or circular course or line c. the compass of a sweeping movement ; scope d. a broad unbroken area or extent <

a sweep of wildflowers

> e. an end run in football in which one or more linemen pull back and run interference for the ballcarrier 4. chimney sweep 5. sweepstakes 6. obliquity with respect to a reference line <

sweep of an airplane wing

>; especially sweepback 7. plural a television ratings period during which surveys are taken to determine advertising rates Synonyms: see range