v.1. To clean or clear some surface with or as if with a broom or brush: I swept up the kitchen because there were crumbs on the floor. Whenever the barbershop floor became messy, I would sweep it up.
2. To remove something by sweeping it into a dustpan and discarding it: You should sweep up those shards of glass before someone steps on them. The custodian noticed candy wrappers on the floor and swept them up.
3. To lift something or someone up with a swift, brushing motion: The gambler swept up her winnings from the table and left the casino. He swept the child up into his arms.
4. To cause something or someone to become lifted and carried by a current: The wind swept the dust up into the air. The floodwaters swept up the car and carried it away.
5. To cause someone to be enthralled by and compelled to join in a collective emotion, action, or activity: The defendant claimed to have been swept up in the heat of passion.
6. To win some set of competitive events completely and decisively: He swept up the running events and won four medals. She entered every competition and swept them all up.
7. To win a large amount of money: He swept up at the casino last week.