English Reference

Word

swept

US/ˈswɛpt/

UK/swˈɛpt/

Definitions

01cleaned with a brush

A2

v. cleaned a floor or surface using a broom or brush.

v. the past tense of sweep, referring to the act of clearing a surface of dirt or debris using a brush.

“He swept the kitchen floor after he finished cooking dinner.”

“After the guests departed, the staff swept the ballroom floor to remove the fallen confetti and debris before the next event.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

02moved quickly and powerfully

B1

v. moved over a wide area with great force or speed.

v. moved across an area with speed, intensity, or overwhelming force.

“A sudden wave of emotion swept over her when she saw the old house.”

“The wildfire swept through the valley with terrifying speed, consuming several hectares of dry timber before the emergency crews could establish a perimeter.”

03cleared of hazards

C1 · Science

adj. describes an area that has been checked and cleared of hidden dangers like mines.

adj. referring to a zone or channel that has been systematically cleared of explosive devices or obstacles.

“The ships waited until the channel was swept and safe to enter.”

“The tactical team confirmed that the sector had been swept for electronic surveillance devices before the high-level negotiations commenced.”

Technical

Usage

Often used in military or maritime contexts regarding mines or electronic signals.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Collocations

swept to power

Domain

Military

This entry

Level
A2 · Elementary
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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