verb

swoon

Swoon (verb) means to faint or become lightheaded, especially from strong emotion. Example: “She nearly swooned at the sight of the accident.”

verb

To faint or become lightheaded, especially from strong emotion.

"She nearly swooned at the sight of the accident."

To be overwhelmed with delight or admiration, especially romantic infatuation.

"Fans swooned whenever the singer walked on stage."

noun

A fainting spell, or a state of overwhelming delight.

"He fell into a swoon after hearing the shocking news."

How to use swoon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo faint, or (more commonly today) to be completely charmed or smitten by someone.

When to use it

The romantic "smitten" sense is common in casual and pop-culture writing.

Common pairings

swoon over fans swoon

Word forms

swooned past tense, swoons plural, swoons singular

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She nearly _____ at the sight of the accident.

Etymology

From Middle English swoune, related to an old verb describing the act of fainting.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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faint conk syncope pass out deliquium

Related words

weak quiet nose suspension subtle faint wan dim

Rhymes for swoon

noon moon soon hoon toon poon foon goon loon boon woon doon

See all rhymes for swoon →

Frequently asked questions

What does “swoon” mean?

The word “swoon” means to faint or become lightheaded, especially from strong emotion. In plain terms, to faint, or (more commonly today) to be completely charmed or smitten by someone.

How do you pronounce “swoon”?

“Swoon” is pronounced swoon (/swuːn/ in IPA).

How do you use “swoon” in a sentence?

Here is “swoon” used in a sentence: “She nearly swooned at the sight of the accident.”

What part of speech is “swoon”?

Depending on how it is used, “swoon” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “swoon” come from?

The word “swoon” comes from Middle English. From Middle English swoune, related to an old verb describing the act of fainting.

How many meanings does “swoon” have?

“Swoon” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to faint or become lightheaded, especially from strong emotion.

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