swoop
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to fly or move down through the air very fast, usually to catch something.
v.to descend rapidly through the air in a sweeping motion, typically to seize prey or an object.
Simple“The eagle began to swoop down toward the lake when it spotted a fish.”
In context“The hawk circled the field twice before it began to swoop toward the tall grass, its talons ready to strike the unsuspecting rodent.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to arrive or attack suddenly and without warning.
v.to make a sudden, swift entrance or attack, often involving a large group or force.
Simple“Police officers were ready to swoop on the building at dawn.”
In context“Customs officials were prepared to swoop on the vessel as soon as it docked, acting on a tip regarding illegal cargo.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a fast, sweeping movement through the air.
n.an act of plunging or gliding downwards suddenly.
Simple“With one quick swoop, the bird caught the insect in mid-air.”
In context“The owl's silent swoop was so fast that the prey had no time to react before being carried away into the night.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a quick slide from one musical note to another.
n.a rapid transition or glissando-like movement between two distinct pitches.
Simple“The singer added a dramatic swoop to the final note of the song.”
In context“The conductor requested a more pronounced swoop from the violins during the transition to the second movement to heighten the emotional tension.”
Synonymsslideglissando - 05 C2 Proficiency
v.to look for old cigarette ends on the ground to use them again.
v.to scavenge for discarded cigarette butts for the purpose of recycling the remaining tobacco.
Simple“He was so broke he spent the afternoon trying to swoop for tobacco.”
In context“The local authorities noted an increase in people attempting to swoop near the bus station as tobacco prices continued to rise.”
Synonymsscavengeforage
“Theuma had been warned of his planned arrest date but police swooped two days early, on 14 November 2019.”
“Manchester United have been linked with a £70m swoop for the Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.”
From Middle English swopen, from Old English swāpan (“to sweep”). Doublet of swaip. See also sweep, which was probably the basis for analogical restoration of /w/ in this word.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.