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sweep

Definition

  • verb: to remove (something, such as dust or dirt) from a surface with a broom or brush or with a quick movement of your hand, fingers, etc.
  • verb: to remove from a surface with or as if with a broom or brush
  • usually singular
  • synonyms: sweeper, slam, rush

Examples

  • The new governor has made a 'clean sweep' of the staff in the governor's mansion. [=the new governor completely replaced the former governor's staff]

  • He gave the floor/room a quick 'sweep'. [=he swept the floor/room quickly]

  • The election was a 'clean sweep' for local Democratic candidates.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Moisture evaporates from the warming ocean and rises to create great storms. The winds generated out at sea sweep inland across the continents. As they travel across the Sahara they create the biggest of all sand storms blowing sand halfway round the world to fertilize the Amazon jungle. Winds blowing across the Indian Ocean collect moisture and sweep northwards towards the Himalayas. As the air rises, so it cools. The water it carries condenses into clouds (..)
    2006 TvShow: Planet Earth Title: From Pole to Pole Season: 1 Episode 1