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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

  • (..) Number One, set a course for the Neutral Zone. - Bizet? - Berlioz. What do you have? We've finished our first sweep of the Neutral Zone. Fascinating. particles of dust per cubic metre. ultraviolet radiation spikes and a class-two comet. This is certainly worthy of our attention. (..)
    1996 Star Trek: First Contact