The compound word **扫荡** is formed through the combination of two morphemes: **扫** (*sǎo*), meaning "to sweep" or "to clear away," and **荡** (*dàng*), meaning "to cleanse," "to wipe out," or "to purge." Together, they create a vivid metaphorical meaning that extends beyond literal cleaning to signify a thorough, forceful, and often violent eradication or elimination, most commonly used in military contexts to describe "mopping-up" operations or raids intended to completely clear an area of enemy forces or undesirable elements. The term thus evolves from a concrete action (sweeping clean) to an abstract, intensive concept of comprehensive destruction.