Sweep away Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Strong Impact Used to describe events with powerful effects that can't be ignored or avoided. The economic crisis swept away the small business sector. Pro Tip 2/3Literal Cleaning Literally means to clean a surface by moving a broom across it. He swept away the leaves from the sidewalk. Pro Tip 3/3Complete Removal Emphasizes the totality of the action, leaving nothing behind. The new policy swept away the outdated regulations.