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sweep

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verb American English pronunciation: sweep /swip/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theysweep
he/she/itsweeps
present participlesweeping
past tenseswept
past participleswept
 
  1. 1
    [intransitive/transitive] to clean a floor, the ground, or another surface using a broom (=brush with a long handle)

    After you’ve swept, you can wash the dishes.

    Her work consisted mainly of making coffee and sweeping the floor.

    I want you to sweep up the garage.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  sweepThesaurus entry for this meaning of sweep
    1. a.
      [transitive] to clean something such as a chimney with a long brush

      Little children used to be used to sweep chimneys.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  sweepThesaurus entry for this meaning of sweep
  2. 2
    [intransitive/transitive] to move or spread quickly through an area

    Youngsters are risking their lives in a dangerous craze which is sweeping the country.

    sweep across:

    The hurricane swept across the Gulf of California.

    sweep through:

    Fire swept through the building.

    Disease has swept through this remote city.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  sweepThesaurus entry for this meaning of sweep
  3. 3
    [transitive] to move something or someone with powerful force

    The flood waters swept the car downstream.

    He was swept along the street by dozens of supporters.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  sweepThesaurus entry for this meaning of sweep
    1. a.
      [transitive] to move or to carry something or someone away with a quick smooth movement

      He swept his son into his arms.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  sweepThesaurus entry for this meaning of sweep
  4. 4
    [intransitive] to go somewhere quickly and confidently
    sweep into/past/by etc.:

    She swept into the office and announced she could only stay ten minutes.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  sweepThesaurus entry for this meaning of sweep
    1. a.
      [intransitive] to move quickly and smoothly without stopping for anyone or anything
      sweep past/through/along etc.:

      The limousine carrying the ambassador swept through the gates.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  sweepThesaurus entry for this meaning of sweep
  5. 5
    [intransitive/transitive] to look over every part of someone or something in one continuous movement of your eyes

    Her gaze swept the room and she frowned.

    As she spoke, her eyes swept over her daughter.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  sweepThesaurus entry for this meaning of sweep
    1. a.
      [transitive] to shine a light in a circular or curved movement over an area, especially in order to search for something
      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  sweepThesaurus entry for this meaning of sweep
  6. 6
    [intransitive] to stretch over a large area, especially in a long wide curve

    The scenery was beautiful, with cool green forests sweeping down the hillsides.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  sweepThesaurus entry for this meaning of sweep
  7. 7
    [transitive] to win something easily
    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  sweepThesaurus entry for this meaning of sweep
    1. a.
      to win all of the games in a series or all of the top places in a competition

      He was the only man to sweep the diving gold medals in two consecutive Olympics.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  sweepThesaurus entry for this meaning of sweep

phrases

This is the American English definition of sweep. View British English definition of sweep.

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