Launder: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿงบ
Add to dictionary

launder

 

[ หˆlษ”หndษ™r ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

money crime

To launder money means to make illegally obtained money appear legitimate through a complex series of transactions. This usually involves passing the money through various businesses or financial systems, making it difficult to trace its illicit origins. The aim is to integrate the proceeds of crime into the legitimate economy without raising suspicion. Money laundering is a serious crime that can facilitate various illegal activities, including drug trafficking and terrorism.

Synonyms

cleanse, purify, sanitize.

Examples of usage

  • The criminals used various offshore accounts to launder their profits.
  • They were arrested for trying to launder money through fake businesses.
  • Law enforcement agencies are cracking down on those who launder money.
  • The bank was implicated in a scandal where it helped clients launder millions.
Context #2 | Verb

clothing care

To launder clothes refers to the process of washing and cleaning garments to remove dirt, stains, and odors. This typically involves using a washing machine or hand washing with detergent. Laundering can also include drying and ironing to make the clothes ready for wearing again. Proper laundering can help maintain the quality and lifespan of clothing.

Synonyms

clean, rinse, wash.

Examples of usage

  • Don't forget to launder your shirts before the trip.
  • She prefers to launder her clothes in cold water to save energy.
  • You should launder the towels after each use.
  • The dry cleaner agreed to launder the delicate fabric carefully.

Translations

Translations of the word "launder" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น lavar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเฅ‹เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช waschen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mencuci

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ praฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆด—ใ†

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท laver

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ lavar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yฤฑkamak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ธํƒํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบุณู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prรกt

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prat'

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆด—ๆถค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพvo

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถัƒั‹ะฟ ั‚ะฐัั‚ะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ”แƒชแƒฎแƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yumaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ lavar

Etymology

The word 'launder' originates from the Old French word 'lavandier', which means 'to wash'. It dates back to the early 15th century and was adapted into Middle English as 'launder', initially referring specifically to washmen or those who washed clothing. By the late 16th century, the verb form emerged, encompassing the action of washing. The term evolved over the centuries and began to also incorporate the context of money laundering in the late 20th century, as financial crimes became more prevalent. Today, 'launder' holds multiple meanings but retains its foundational connection to the process of cleaning in both literal and figurative senses.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,266 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.