1. To propel (oneself) in the direction of something by hanging onto something suspended from above and moving in a broad, sweeping arc or curve. You've got to grab the rope and swing to the other side of the ravine. The burglar held onto the flagpole and swung to the ledge of the open window.

2. To turn or pivot in some direction on or as on a hinge. The refrigerator door swings to the right when you open it.

3. To cause someone to move to some point or in some direction with a swooping or sweeping motion. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "swing" and "to." He swung his dance partner to the side. Let's swing this thing to the other side of the room. The bouncer swung the rowdy man to the ground.

4. To shift or vacillate to some different opinion, belief, ideology, emotion, etc. Public opinion has continued to swing in favor of previously socially unacceptable behaviors and lifestyles. The whole world has swung to online banking, Dad. You really need to get with the times if you want to keep up.

5. To cause someone or some group shift or vacillate to some different opinion, belief, ideology, emotion, etc. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "swing" and "to." You're not going to swing anyone to your side with such inflammatory arguments. Age tends to swing people to more conservative mindsets.

6. To convince or persuade someone or some group to something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "swing" and "to." The incident swung the entire population to side of the rebel leaders. She managed to swing the board to fund her side project for the next five years.