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Definition swing in British English

swing verb

verb
/swɪŋ/
1

to move, or to make something move, backwards and forwards or from one side to another, especially from a fixed point

Example

Swing your arms loosely at your sides.

Example

The rope bridge was swinging in the breeze.

Example

A restaurant sign swung to and fro in the wind.

Example

As she shook her head, her earrings swung back and forth.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to move backwards and forwards on a seat called a swing

Synonyms and related words
2

to move in a particular direction with a smooth curving movement, or to make something move in this way

Example

Brown swung the ball towards the near post.

Example

I swung the car into a narrow side street.

Example

She swung round and stared angrily at us.

Example

The door swung shut with a loud bang.

Synonyms and related words
3

to try to hit someone or something by making a smooth curving movement with your hand, a weapon, or a piece of sports equipment

Example

He swung the bat wildly at the ball, missing it completely.

Example

Mrs Shaw swung at the youth with her umbrella.

Synonyms and related words
4

to change from one emotion, condition, idea etc to another, or to make someone or something change in this way

Example

She should be able to swing a significant number of women's votes.

Example

This latest scandal could swing popular support away from them.

Example

My mother's moods swing from depression to elation.

Example

Public opinion has begun to swing the other way (=away from what it was before).

Synonyms and related words
5

to be lively, exciting, and enjoyable

Synonyms and related words
6

if music swings, it has a strong pleasant beat

Synonyms and related words
Definition swing in British English