sweep
sweep
UK[swiːp]US[swiːp]
v
to clean a surface by moving a brush or similar object over it
v
to move or remove something quickly and with force
v
to move quickly and smoothly over an area
n
an act of cleaning an area with a brush or broom
n
a long, smooth, curving movement
Etymology
the verb 'sweep' originates from middle english 'swepen', which itself likely evolved from the old english verb 'swāpan', meaning 'to sweep, brandish, rush'. this old english term is cognate with old frisian 'swēpa' and middle dutch 'swepen', all sharing a common germanic root. the core semantic notion is one of swift, broad, or forceful motion, which neatly explains its modern applications ranging from cleaning with a broom to a hand's gesture or a landscape's expanse. the development from a concrete action of clearing or moving swiftly to more abstract and extended meanings, such as 'sweeping changes' or 'sweeping views', demonstrates a classic pattern of semantic broadening from physical to figurative domains.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from a middle english root. it is not productively composed of smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
she used a broom to sweep the kitchen floor.
the new regulations are expected to sweep away outdated practices.
his gaze swept across the horizon, taking in the magnificent view.