Whitewash: meaning, definitions and examples

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whitewash

 

[ หˆwaษชtหŒwษ”หสƒ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

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

coating, paint, wash

Examples of usage

  • The old barn was given a fresh coat of whitewash.
  • The whitewash on the fence looked bright and new.
Context #2 | Verb

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น blanquear

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคซเฅ‡เคฆ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช weiรŸen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ cat putih

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑั–ะปะธั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bielenie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็™ฝๅก—ใ‚Šใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท blanchir

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ blanquear

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท beyazlatmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํฐ์ƒ‰์œผ๋กœ ์น ํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุจูŠูŠุถ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bฤ›lenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bielenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฒ‰ๅˆท

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ beljenje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hvรญta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐา›ั‚ะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒ”แƒ—แƒ แƒ˜แƒแƒ“แƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aฤŸartmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,939, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.