swoop

UK: swuːp | US: swuːp

Definition

  1. v.i. to descend rapidly and forcefully, as a bird of prey

  2. v.t. to seize or snatch something suddenly

  3. n. a swift, sweeping movement or action

Structure
swoop <to sweep down>
Etymology

The word "swoop" originates from Old English swōpan ("to sweep, swing"), likely imitative of the sound or motion of a bird diving swiftly. It retains its core meaning of a sudden, sweeping descent, often associated with birds of prey capturing their target. The word’s simplicity and onomatopoeic quality make it memorable and vivid.

Examples

  1. The eagle swooped down to catch its prey.

  2. Police swooped on the suspect’s hideout at dawn.

  3. She swooped her hair into a ponytail.

  4. The fighter jet made a dramatic swoop over the crowd.

  5. A sudden gust of wind swooped the hat off his head.