a function word that combines with a noun or pronoun or noun phrase to form a prepositional phrase that can have an adverbial or adjectival relation to some other word
(linguistics) the placing of one linguistic element before another (as placing a modifier before the word it modifies in a sentence or placing an affix before the base to which it is attached)
win an overwhelming victory in or on; "Her new show dog swept all championships"
sweep with a broom or as if with a broom; "Sweep the crumbs off the table"; "Sweep under the bed"
clean by sweeping; "Please sweep the floor"
move with sweeping, effortless, gliding motions; "The diva swept into the room"; "Shreds of paper sailed through the air"; "The searchlights swept across the sky"