Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To remove or carry off completely, typically with force: To eliminate something entirely, often by a powerful, sweeping motion or force, leaving no trace.
   • To overwhelm emotionally; to captivate completely: To affect someone with such strong emotion (e.g., joy, love, awe) that they feel carried off by the feeling.

Usage and Examples

• Literal meaning (to remove/carry off):
  • The floodwaters threatened to sweep away the small bridge.
  • The new policy aims to sweep away outdated regulations.
• Figurative/Emotional meaning (to overwhelm/captivate):
  • The beauty of the symphony swept the audience away.
  • He was completely swept away by her charm.

Advanced Usage

• "to be swept away": This passive form is very common, especially for the emotional meaning, describing the state of being overwhelmed.
  • She was swept away by the romantic gesture.
  • Don't get swept away by your initial excitement; think it through.

Variants and Related Words

• Sweep (verb): The base form, meaning to clean or clear a surface with a brush or broom, or to move swiftly and powerfully.
• Sweeping (adjective): Extensive, wide-ranging, or overwhelming (e.g., , ).

Synonyms

• Eliminate/Eradicate: To remove or destroy completely (for the "remove" meaning).
• Enrapture/Captivate: To fill with great delight or joy; to charm (for the "overwhelm emotionally" meaning).
• Overwhelm: To affect deeply or overpower.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Sweep aside: To dismiss or ignore something as unimportant.
  • He swept aside all objections and continued with his plan.
• Sweep over: (Of a feeling) to affect someone suddenly and strongly.
  • A wave of nostalgia swept over her.

Related Idioms

• A clean sweep: A complete victory or removal of everything.
  • The new manager made a clean sweep of the old staff.
• (To be) swept off one's feet: To be charmed or captivated, especially in a romantic context. This idiom is very close in meaning to the emotional sense of "sweep away."
  • He completely swept her off her feet with his kindness.

Verb

1. overwhelm emotionally
   • Her swept her away
2. eliminate completely and without a trace
   • The old values have been wiped out