schwenk

Schwenk is a German noun derived from the verb schwenken, meaning to swing, sweep, or tilt. It denotes a turning motion about a pivot or axis, such as a sweeping gesture of a limb or the rotation of a mechanical part.

In cinematography and photography, a Schwenk describes a horizontal camera movement in which the camera pivots left or right while remaining in a fixed location. The vertical analogue in German terminology is typically called Neigen or Kippen.

In engineering and equipment design, Schwenk is used to describe the swiveling or pivoting of components such as booms, arms, or sensors. Devices described as having a Schwenk mechanism can rotate to cover a wider area or to adjust orientation.

As a surname, Schwenk is of German origin. It is borne by individuals in German-speaking regions and elsewhere, and several people with the name have achieved notability in various fields.

Related terms include Schwenkbewegung (swivel or sweeping movement) and schwenken (to swing). The word appears in technical, industrial, and cultural contexts where pivoting or rotating motion is a key characteristic.