Swooped: meaning, definitions and examples

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swooped

 

[ swuːpt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

action, movement

To swoop means to move rapidly downwards through the air, often with a sudden, sweeping motion. It is commonly used to describe the action of birds or aircraft darting down towards something. The term can also imply a sudden attack or raid.

Synonyms

descend, dive, plunge, swoosh

Examples of usage

  • The eagle swooped down on its prey.
  • The helicopter swooped in to rescue the stranded hikers.
  • The thief swooped into the store and grabbed the cash.
  • The children watched as the parent bird swooped to feed its chicks.

Translations

Translations of the word "swooped" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mergulhou

🇮🇳 झपट्टा मारा

🇩🇪 herabgestürzt

🇮🇩 menyergap

🇺🇦 зірвався

🇵🇱 nurkował

🇯🇵 急降下した

🇫🇷 plongé

🇪🇸 se lanzó

🇹🇷 dalış yaptı

🇰🇷 급강하했다

🇸🇦 انقض

🇨🇿 sestoupil

🇸🇰 zletel

🇨🇳 俯冲了

🇸🇮 zletel

🇮🇸 sveifla

🇰🇿 шабуылдады

🇬🇪 შეუტყო

🇦🇿 sıçradı

🇲🇽 se lanzó

Word origin

The word 'swoop' originated in the mid-19th century, with first known use in 1854. Its etymology is likely derived from the Middle English term 'swopen', which conveys the idea of moving swiftly or plunging. While initially associated with moving downwards, especially in a dramatic or aggressive manner, the usage of 'swoop' has expanded to encompass various contexts of quick or sudden movement. Over time, it has also taken on metaphorical meanings, often relating to the idea of a sudden raid or an unexpected action, reflecting how rapid actions can catch someone by surprise. As language evolved, it retained its vivid imagery of movement, becoming a popular term in literature and conversation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,570, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.