swoop
verb · noun
Simple meaning
Move down on as if in an attack.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
swoopIPA pronunciation (US)
ˈswup
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
verb
Move down on as if in an attack
“The raptor swooped down on its prey.”
intransitive
To fly or glide downwards suddenly; to plunge (in the air) or nosedive.
intransitive
To move swiftly, as if with a sweeping movement, especially to attack something.
transitive
To fall on at once and seize; to catch while on the wing.
transitive
To seize; to catch up; to take with a sweep.
intransitive
To pass with pomp; to sweep.
noun
An instance, or the act of suddenly plunging downward.
A sudden act of seizing.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- C2 · Proficient
- Frequency
- Uncommon
- Typical Use
- Primarily written
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: Move down on as if in an attack
Used this way, swoop is a common word with a faintly unfavourable edge. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
“The raptor swooped down on its prey.”
- Emotional tone
- Slightly negative
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Moderate
- How common
- Common
- Connotation
- Critical or judgemental
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use swoop
- “The raptor swooped down on its prey.”verb
- “The violinist was indulgent with his swoops and slides.”noun
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Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
Word Family
Related forms, grouped by how they connect.
Compound terms
Established multiword terms.
Seize or catch with a swooping motion.
More about this wordSynonyms, forms, origin
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.