sweep

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

• intransitive verb To clean or clear, as of dirt, with a broom or brush.
• intransitive verb To clear away with a broom or brush.
• intransitive verb To clear (a path or space) with a broom or brush.
• intransitive verb To search thoroughly.
• intransitive verb To search for and remove (electronic eavesdropping devices) from a place.
• intransitive verb To touch or brush lightly, as with a trailing garment.
• intransitive verb To pass over or through a surface or medium with a continuous movement.
• intransitive verb To clear, drive, or convey with relentless force.
• intransitive verb To wipe out at a single stroke. Often used with away.
• intransitive verb To remove or carry off with a swift brushing motion.
• intransitive verb To move across or through swiftly or broadly.
• intransitive verb To pass quickly across, as when searching.
• intransitive verb To drag the bottom of (a body of water).
• intransitive verb To win all games in (a series) or all stages of (a contest).
• intransitive verb To win overwhelmingly in.
• intransitive verb To clean or clear a surface with a broom or brush.
• intransitive verb To search an area for something.
• intransitive verb To search for and remove electronic eavesdropping devices.
• intransitive verb To move swiftly or broadly.
• intransitive verb To move swiftly in a lofty manner, as if in a trailing robe.
• intransitive verb To trail, as a long garment.
• intransitive verb To extend gracefully, especially in a long curve.
• intransitive verb To extend in a wide range.
• noun A clearing out or removal with a broom or brush.
• noun A thorough search of an area.
• noun A search for and removal of electronic eavesdropping devices, as in a room.
• noun A wide curving motion.
• noun A curve or contour that resembles the path of sweeping motion.
• noun An extent or stretch.
• noun Range or scope: synonym: range.
• noun Football An end run in which one or more linemen leave the line of scrimmage and block in advance of the ball carrier.
• noun One who sweeps, especially a chimney sweep.
• noun Sweepings.
• noun The winning of all stages of a game or contest.
• noun An overwhelming victory or success.
• noun A long oar used to propel a boat.
• noun A long pole attached to a pivot and used to raise or lower a bucket in a well.
• noun Informal Sweepstakes.
• noun The period each fall, winter, and spring when television ratings are accrued and studied and advertising rates are reset.
• noun The national survey of local stations that is conducted to determine these ratings.
• noun The steady motion of an electron beam across a cathode-ray tube.
• idiom (sweep (someone) off (someone's) feet) To cause someone to be admiring or infatuated.
• idiom (sweep under the rug) To avoid discussing or dealing with (something negative or troubling).