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whitewashto cover up or conceal the truth about something, especially wrongdoing

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to cover up or conceal the truth about something, especially wrongdoing

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwaɪtˌwɑːʃ/

Korean meaning: (잘못을) 은폐하다, 덮어두다

Korean pronunciation: **화이트**워시

Example Sentences

  • The CEO's apology was just a whitewash to avoid legal consequences.
  • Tom Sawyer famously tricked his friends into whitewashing the fence for him.
  • The investigation was criticized as a whitewash by opposition parties.

whitewash

VERB

//ˈwaɪtˌwɑːʃ//

to cover up or conceal the truth about something, especially wrongdoing

whitewash concept
💡 Concept

a nervous business executive in a suit quickly gathers up damaging financial documents from the table. He stuffs the papers into a briefcase while looking around anxiously. The documents show clear evidence of financial misconduct that could expose the company. As he hides the papers, other executives enter the room preparing for an important meeting with investigators. The arriving investigators look around the now-clean table, unaware of what just happened. A secretary watches from the doorway with a worried expression on her face. someone covering up and concealing the truth about wrongdoing

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈwaɪtˌwɑːʃ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈwaɪtˌwɒʃ/

🌳Etymology

Rootwhite + wash

Origin

From 16th century English, combining 'white' and 'wash' to literally mean 'paint with white lime or chalk.' The figurative meaning of 'cover up the truth' developed in the 19th century from the idea of painting over something to hide what's underneath.

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🎵Rhyme

brainwashcar washbackwash
brainwash
car wash
backwash

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📝Examples

The CEO's apology was just a whitewash to avoid legal consequences.

😄 Fun example

Tom Sawyer famously tricked his friends into whitewashing the fence for him.

The investigation was criticized as a whitewash by opposition parties.

Every spring, the old farmhouse got a fresh coat of whitewash.

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📚Related Words

Synonyms

cover upconcealgloss oversuppress

Antonyms

exposerevealuncover

Related

brainwashsugarcoatcamouflagevarnish