Swing
/swɪŋ/noun
To move back and forth or to cause something to do so.
Did you know?The English verb comes from Old English and Germanic roots tied to striking or hurling, which is why its older senses include both violent motion and a blow.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*swinganą
“to swing, whip, or strike violently”
Old English
OE
swengan
“to beat, strike, or cause to sway”
Middle English
ME
swingen
“to strike, whip, or move back and forth”
Late Middle English
ME
swinge
“a blow, lash, or whipping motion”
Modern English
English
swing
“to move rhythmically back and forth or to cause such movement”