swoop
swoop Lexical Profile
swoop Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To move rapidly downwards through the air in a smooth, curving trajectory.
"A barn owl swooped silently across the moonlit meadow."
To arrive or intervene suddenly and unexpectedly in order to seize an opportunity, make an inspection, or take control.
"Private investors swooped in to purchase the historic theater before it could be demolished."
To snatch or lift someone or something up in a single swift, sweeping motion.
"She laughed and swooped the toddler up into her arms."
• noun
A sudden, rapid downward movement through the air, especially as made by a bird of prey.
"The falcon caught the field mouse in a single swift swoop from the cliffside."
A sudden, unexpected raid, inspection, or decisive action.
"The committee approved all the pending budget proposals in one quick swoop before the recess."
• Rhymes for swoop
Word Origin & Etymology
Dating to the mid-16th century, probably a variant of Middle English swopen ('to sweep'), from Old English swapan ('to sweep or brandish'), influenced by sound-symbolic associations with rapid motion through the air.