launder

[ˈlɔːndə(r)]

launder Definition

  • 1to wash clothes, sheets, etc.
  • 2to move money that has been obtained illegally through various accounts or businesses so that it appears to be legal

Using launder: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "launder" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I need to launder my clothes before the trip.

  • Example

    He was caught laundering money for a drug cartel.

  • Example

    The company was accused of laundering funds from illegal activities.

launder Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for launder

Antonyms for launder

Phrases with launder

  • the process of making illegally-gained proceeds (i.e. 'dirty money') appear legal (i.e. 'clean')

    Example

    The bank was fined for failing to prevent money laundering.

  • to refuse to be involved in something or accept responsibility for it

    Example

    The politician tried to launder his hands of the scandal, but the evidence was clear.

  • to restore one's good name or image after it has been tarnished

    Example

    The celebrity hired a PR firm to help him launder his reputation after the scandal.

Origins of launder

from Old French 'lavander', from Latin 'lavare', meaning 'to wash'

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Summary: launder in Brief

The verb 'launder' [ˈlɔːndə(r)] means to wash clothes or sheets, or to move money obtained illegally through various accounts or businesses so that it appears to be legal. It is often used in the context of 'money laundering,' where illegally-gained proceeds are made to appear legal. The phrase 'launder one's hands of something' means to refuse involvement or responsibility, while 'launder one's reputation' means to restore one's good name after it has been tarnished.