Meanings
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1
verb
to move rapidly downward through the air, often curving upward again
An eagle began to swoop toward the fish near the surface.
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2
verb
to act suddenly and decisively, especially to seize, arrest, or rescue someone
Police planned to swoop on the warehouse before dawn.
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3
noun
a fast downward movement or a sudden, sweeping action
With one swoop, the hawk carried the mouse away.
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4
noun
a rapid slide from one musical pitch to another
The singer ended the phrase with a dramatic downward swoop.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle English swopen, from Old English swapan ('to sweep'). The modern w was probably restored under the influence of sweep. The word's core image is a broad, sweeping motion, which developed into the rapid descent of a bird and then a sudden raid or intervention.