Swooping: meaning, definitions and examples

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swooping

 

[ˈswuːpɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

movement style

Swooping refers to the action of descending rapidly in a graceful manner, often associated with birds or aircraft. It suggests a sudden and powerful movement downwards, typically in pursuit of something.

Synonyms

descend, dive, plunge, swoop.

Examples of usage

  • The eagle was swooping down to catch its prey.
  • The plane was swooping low over the runway.
  • She watched as the bat swooped through the air.
  • The hawk swooped in for a quick strike.
Context #2 | Adjective

descriptive

Describing a motion that is characterized by a graceful or sweeping descent. It can also refer to the arched shape made by something that swoops.

Synonyms

arcing, curved, flowing.

Examples of usage

  • The swooping motion of the kite in the breeze was mesmerizing.
  • He made a swooping gesture with his arm.
  • The swooping arches of the bridge gave it an elegant look.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'swoop' has roots in Middle English and was influenced by the Old Norse word 'skopa,' which means to engage in sudden movement.
  • The first known use of 'swoop' dates back to the late 16th century, initially used to describe swift, downward movements.
  • Over time, 'swooping' has expanded from bird behavior to describe actions in sports and urban culture.

Biology

  • Birds of prey, like hawks and eagles, use swooping techniques to catch their food effectively, showcasing excellent aerial skills.
  • Swooping is an essential survival behavior for many birds, allowing them to capture fast-moving prey or evade threats.
  • Certain species of fish display the 'swooping' motion when they dart after smaller fish, a tactic that resembles bird behavior.

Pop Culture

  • In animated films, superheroes often swoop down to save characters in danger, creating a dramatic visual effect.
  • The classic arcade game 'Super Mario,' where the character swoops to collect coins or stomp on enemies, employs this movement for excitement.
  • Swooping has become a common term in sports commentary, referring to players making dynamic plays or moves.

Psychology

  • Swooping motions can elicit feelings of excitement and thrill in observers, often linked to adrenaline rushes during action scenes.
  • Studies suggest that watching swooping movements may impact viewer engagement, increasing their emotional response to visuals.
  • The swift, decisive swoop in actions can symbolize confidence and authority, influencing how people perceive leaders in various situations.

Literature

  • Writers often use swooping descriptions in poetry to evoke motion and create vivid imagery of nature or action scenes.
  • Swooping is frequently associated with freedom and grace in literary works, symbolizing the release of personal constraints.
  • In storytelling, a character might swoop into a scene as a metaphor for sudden change, emphasizing the impact of their entrance.

Translations

Translations of the word "swooping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mergulhando

🇮🇳 झपट्टा मारना

🇩🇪 stürzen

🇮🇩 menukik

🇺🇦 падіння

🇵🇱 nurkowanie

🇯🇵 急降下する

🇫🇷 plongée

🇪🇸 zambullida

🇹🇷 dalış

🇰🇷 급강하

🇸🇦 انقضاض

🇨🇿 sestupující

🇸🇰 klesajúci

🇨🇳 俯冲

🇸🇮 padajoče

🇮🇸 dýfa

🇰🇿 құлау

🇬🇪 ნაკადი

🇦🇿 saldırma

🇲🇽 buceo

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,868, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.