sweep
US /swip/
Definition
to clean an area by brushing away dirt; to search thoroughly; an extensive movement
Appears in workplace maintenance ('sweep the floor') and broad actions ('sweeping changes').
Examples
Staff sweep the floor of the shop every evening.
Word Family
NounNoun
sweep gốc
sweeper
sweeping
VerbVerb
sweep gốc
AdjectiveAdj
—
AdverbAdv
—
Synonyms
- brushto clean, smooth, or apply with a brush
- cleanto make free from dirt, marks, or stains
- wipeto clean or dry by rubbing its surface with a cloth
Collocations
- Easy sweep the floorto clean indoor ground surfaces using a broom or brush
- Medium clean sweep of quarterly customer satisfaction awardswinning all possible honors in a client satisfaction poll
- Hard sweep away archaic regulatory barriers to entryto dismantle outdated statutory rules that block market access
- Very Hard a new broom sweeps clean but the old knows cornersnew leaders bring energy but experienced hands know details
Learner's English edition · Curated definitions for TOEIC learners.