What does swept mean?
“Swept” is the past tense and past participle of “sweep.” Its literal meaning is to clean or clear something by brushing, gathering, or removing material, as in “she swept the floor.” It also describes forceful or smooth movement across a space: “the wind swept across the beach.” Figuratively, the word can refer to emotional enchantment, as when someone is “swept off their feet,” or to a decisive victory, such as a candidate who “swept the election.” These extensions give the word a sense of energetic movement and powerful effect. “Swept” is commonly used in the passive forms “swept away,” “swept clean,” and “swept through,” and is pronounced like the word “wept.”
To clean or clear an area by brushing or removing material with a sweeping motion.
"The cleaner swept the floor before the guests arrived."
Often used in the passive or with an object identifying the area or material removed.
To move forcefully or smoothly across a place, or to overwhelm someone emotionally.
"A wave of excitement swept through the crowd."
The figurative meanings are common in expressions such as “swept away” and “swept off their feet.”
Drawn smoothly backward, especially hair that is brushed or styled away from the face.
"Her long, swept hair framed her face."
This use is typically attributive and appears in descriptions of hair or hairstyles.
“Swept” can describe everything from a clean floor to a romance that leaves someone completely enchanted.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does swept come from?
“Swept” is an irregular past tense and past participle of “sweep,” which comes from Old English swefan, meaning to sweep or brush. The modern verb developed from an earlier sense of moving with a sweeping action. Its strong past forms “swept” and “swept” reflect the historical pattern of vowel change in English verb forms.
Related word forms
How swept is actually used
The word can be used literally for cleaning or clearing and figuratively for rapid movement, emotional overwhelm, or decisive victory. In the phrase “swept away,” it often suggests being carried off by force or emotion.
Easily confused with swept
“Swept” is the past tense and past participle of sweep, whereas “wept” is the past tense and past participle of weep.