swingeing

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   chiefly British: extremely severe, harsh, or damaging

   The newspaper published a swingeing attack on the government's record.

2. 2
   adj

   chiefly British: very large or substantial

   The company launched the product with a swingeing advertising budget.

From swinge, 'to strike, beat, or chastise,' + -ing. Swinge descends from Middle English swengen and Old English swengan, 'to strike or cause to swing.' Something swingeing was therefore forceful like a heavy blow, producing the modern severe and very large senses.

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