Whitewash: meaning, definitions and examples
๐๏ธ
whitewash
[ หwaษชtหwษหส ]
paint covering
Whitewash refers to a mixture of water, lime, and whiting, used to give a surface a white, reflective finish. Traditionally, it has been used to paint fences, barns, and other structures, especially in rural areas. In a broader sense, whitewash can also refer to an attempt to cover up undesirable facts or to present something in a more favorable light.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The old barn was given a fresh coat of whitewash.
- The whitewash on the fence looked bright and new.
conceal wrongdoing
To whitewash means to cover up or gloss over something, typically referring to an attempt to conceal unpleasant facts or actions. This verb is often used in a figurative sense, such as when a government or organization tries to misrepresent their actions by presenting them in a more positive light.
Synonyms
cover-up, disguise, gloss over
Examples of usage
- The company tried to whitewash its reputation after the scandal.
- The report was criticized for whitewashing the issues.
Translations
Translations of the word "whitewash" in other languages:
๐ต๐น blanquear
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคซเฅเคฆ เคเคฐเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช weiรen
๐ฎ๐ฉ cat putih
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑัะปะธัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ bielenie
๐ฏ๐ต ็ฝๅกใใใ
๐ซ๐ท blanchir
๐ช๐ธ blanquear
๐น๐ท beyazlatmak
๐ฐ๐ท ํฐ์์ผ๋ก ์น ํ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุจููุถ
๐จ๐ฟ bฤlenรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ bielenie
๐จ๐ณ ็ฒๅท
๐ธ๐ฎ beljenje
๐ฎ๐ธ hvรญta
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐาัะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ แแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ aฤartmaq
๐ฒ๐ฝ blanquear
Etymology
The term 'whitewash' dates back to the 16th century, deriving from the combination of 'white' and 'wash.' The word 'white' comes from the Old English 'hwita,' meaning bright or colorless, while 'wash' stems from the Old English 'wascian,' meaning to cleanse or purify. Historically, whitewash was used to protect exterior walls from moisture and decay, especially in rural areas where it was a practical and cost-effective option. Over time, the meaning of whitewash expanded into a metaphorical context, particularly in politics and media, describing efforts to obscure the truth or portray an entity in a better light despite negative realities. This broader use has gained prominence in contemporary discourse, especially in situations involving public relations and crisis management.