Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Moving or capable of moving at great speed; rapid: Describes something that happens or moves with high velocity.
   • Happening quickly or promptly: Describes an action or process that occurs without delay.

2. Noun:

   • A small, fast-flying bird: A bird resembling a swallow, known for its rapid flight.
   • A type of lizard: A common western lizard often seen on logs or rocks.
   • A historical figure: Jonathan Swift (1667-1745), an Anglo-Irish satirist and author.
   • A historical figure: Gustavus Franklin Swift (1839-1903), an American meat-packing pioneer.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The company promised a swift delivery. (The company promised a very fast delivery.)
  • She made a swift decision under pressure. (She made a quick decision under pressure.)
• Noun (bird):
  • A swift darted across the evening sky. (A fast-flying bird darted across the evening sky.)
• Noun (person):
  • "Gulliver's Travels" was written by Jonathan Swift. (The book was written by the satirist.)

Advanced Usage

• "Swift action": Immediate and effective measures taken in response to something.
  • The government took swift action to contain the outbreak.
• "Swift as an arrow": A simile emphasizing extreme speed.
  • The news spread through the town swift as an arrow.

Variants and Related Words

• Swiftly (adverb): In a fast or rapid manner.
  • He moved swiftly to avoid the danger.
• Swiftness (noun): The quality of being swift; speed.
  • The swiftness of his reply was impressive.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Fast, rapid, quick, speedy, fleet.
• Noun (bird): (No direct common synonym; it is a specific bird type.)

Related Phrases

• Swift current: A fast-moving flow of water.
  • Swimming was forbidden due to the swift current.
• Swift response: A very quick answer or reaction.
  • We appreciate your swift response to our inquiry.

Idioms

• Swift and sure: Describes an action that is both rapid and certain in its effect.
  • Justice was swift and sure.
• In one swift movement: Done in a single, quick motion.
  • He drew his sword in one swift movement.

Adjective

1. moving very fast
   • fleet of foot
   • the fleet scurrying of squirrels
   • a swift current
   • swift flight of an arrow
   • a swift runner

Noun

1. common western lizard; seen on logs or rocks
2. a small bird that resembles a swallow and is noted for its rapid flight
3. an English satirist born in Ireland (1667-1745)
4. United States meat-packer who began the use of refrigerated railroad cars (1839-1903)