verb / noun

swoop

SWOOP/swuːp/

A sudden, swift movement downward or toward something.

The swallow swoops downward and forward just above the water.

A single swallow swoops sharply downward and forward just above a small patch of water, its banked wings and descending body angle making the sweeping motion clear.

Etymology

swoopOld Englishto sweep, brandish, dash

Swoop apparently continues a verb meaning “sweep, brandish, dash.” Its sudden sweeping motion became associated with a bird of prey pouncing, the image behind today's downward or forward rush.

In context

NAV - Wild Animal Documentary4:33

the Marshall Eagle can suddenly swoop down from above catching an unsuspecting Mongoose

Mongoose: The Story Of An Unlikely Predator | Wild Animal Documentary

More examples

The roller coaster swoops down toward the lake.
She catches the falling hat with a quick swoop of her hand.
He clears the crumbs from the table in one swoop.

Forms

swoop · swoops · swooped · swooping

Similar words

dive: Emphasizes a steep downward movement rather than a sweeping approach.
plunge: Suggests a forceful drop, often into water or another substance.
sweep: Emphasizes a broad, continuous movement, not necessarily sudden or downward.