Swooped: meaning, definitions and examples

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swooped

 

[swuːpt ]

Definition

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Derived from the Middle English 'swoopen,' which meant to sweep or move quickly, often with a rush.
  • The word has roots in Old English, where similar forms conveyed swift motion or sweeping gestures.

Nature

  • Many birds, like hawks and eagles, swoop to catch their prey, demonstrating their hunting skills.
  • Swooping is also a behavior observed in some species during mating displays or territorial defense.

Literature

  • The word 'swooped' often appears in stories to describe dramatic actions, such as a hero rescuing someone or a bird in flight.
  • In poetry, swooping movements can symbolize freedom or a sudden change in emotion.

Pop Culture

  • The swoop move is often depicted in films, like superheros flying swiftly into action, emphasizing speed and agility.
  • Sports teams often use 'swoop’ to describe powerful and quick plays that change the momentum of a game.

Psychology

  • Swooping motions can evoke feelings of excitement or surprise, tapping into our instincts related to flight and escape.
  • The action of swooping can also relate to concepts of dominance, as in 'swooping in' to take control in social situations.

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 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.