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to swath

to swath

5 8.2
To wrap something completely in cloth or bandages
  • verb
  • /swɔθ/
  • US
translation icon : envolver
  • The patient was carefully swathed in bandages after the surgery to protect the wounds.
  • swathed in white
  • swathed bodies

Examples

  • On the stone lay a tiny baby swathed in a worn, dirty fur wrapping.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • What it depicts instead is an exotic subject, swathed in mystery.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Every bride is the same, swathed in white; every bride risks.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • Before them stood a statue of the Christ child swathed in his mother's arms.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • The yard was coated with snow, swathed in long blue shadows.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • In a few seconds, the cart was swathed by a golden cloud ringing madly.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Russell sits up front, swathed in a large robe, alone and silent.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Beside the taxi, its three passengers lie in a group, blankets swathing their chests and legs.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • The sword, gripped in both hands, reflected into her face, which was swathed to the cheekbones under the hood.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Kip was still bandaged, his arms and right hand swathed in padded gauze.

    Fiction book (1998)

Synonyms

to wrap
vsto swath
729 1.0

To cover something by putting material around it

is more specifically performed with cloth or strips of cloth rather than general winding
to drape
vsto swath
83 4.3

To hang or cover something loosely with cloth

is a tight complete enclosing action using cloth or strips of cloth rather than loose
to envelop
vsto swath
41 4.5

To surround something completely, like fog or darkness

is done especially using cloth or strips of cloth rather than any cover
to bandage
vsto swath
34 2.7

To wrap a wound with soft material to protect or support it

is the broader act of fully surrounding with cloth rather than only treating wounds
to wrap up
vsto swath
22 3.6

Cover something completely with paper, cloth or another material to protect it

focuses on doing that with cloth or strips of cloth rather than general material
to swaddle
vsto swath
12 3.8

To wrap a baby tightly in cloth to keep them warm

is the same full enclosing action but not limited to infants or tightness
to enwrap
vsto swath
1 8.0

To cover something completely, often by surrounding it with cloth or paper

involves using cloth or strips of cloth specifically rather than any covering
to enrobe
vsto swath
  • Specialized
1 7.4

To cover something completely with cloth or a thin layer like chocolate

is specifically done by surrounding with cloth or strips of cloth rather than coating
to wrap a bandage
vsto swath
2.6

To cover a wound with a piece of cloth to protect it

is a more general full enclosing action using cloth rather than a simple bandage use

Antonyms

146 2.8

Make something visible by removing a cover or letting light reach it

37 2.7

Remove a cover to show what is under it

Idioms

1 7.7

Have a strong effect on many people or things

Phrasal Verbs

To cut a path through tall grass and plants with a scythe or mower

Compounds

A wide area that is badly damaged, often by war or natural disaster

How Complete

to envelop
41 4.5
to swath
  • US
5 8.2
to wrap
729 1.0
to cover
1.0
to drape
83 4.3

Surface Forms

swath infinitive
swathed past
swathed past participle
swathing present participle
swaths third person singular

Etymology

Swath as a verb comes from an old word swathe that meant 'to wrap' or 'bind'. That is why to swath something means to cover or wrap it completely, like a bandage around an arm or a blanket around a baby.