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DictionaryswimUnsteady perception
verb

swim

To seem to spin or blur.

The room swims before his tired eyes.

Etymology
swimOld Englishto swim

The movement of things floating in water supplies a visual comparison. A scene swims when dizziness or blurred vision makes it seem to drift or turn.

More examples

  • The words swam across the page.
  • Her head has been swimming since she stood up.
  • The lights seemed to swim in the darkness.

Forms

swim · swims · swam · swum · swimming

Similar words

blur
Loses clear detail.
spin
Appears to rotate rather than generally waver or blur.