To brush swiftly over the surface of anything; to pass
with switness and force, as if brushing the surface of anything; to
move in a stately manner; as, the wind sweeps across the plain; a woman
sweeps through a drawing-room.

To pass over anything comprehensively; to range through
with rapidity; as, his eye sweeps through space.

To strike with a long stroke.

To clean rooms, yards, etc., or to clear away dust, dirt,
litter, etc., with a broom, brush, or the like.

To draw or drag something over; as, to sweep the bottom
of a river with a net.

To carry with a long, swinging, or dragging motion;
hence, to carry in a stately or proud fashion.

To drive or carry along or off with a broom or a brush,
or as if with a broom; to remove by, or as if by, brushing; as, to
sweep dirt from a floor; the wind sweeps the snow from the hills; a
freshet sweeps away a dam, timber, or rubbish; a pestilence sweeps off
multitudes.

To pass a broom across (a surface) so as to remove loose
dirt, dust, etc.; to brush, or rub over, with a broom for the purpose
of cleaning; as, to sweep a floor, the street, or a chimney. Used also
figuratively.

To brush against or over; to rub lightly along.

To pass over, or traverse, with the eye or with an
instrument of observation; as, to sweep the heavens with a telescope.