wash

[wɒʃ]

wash Definition

• 1. to clean something using water and usually soap
• 2. to make something seem less strong or noticeable
• 3. to flow over something in a particular way

Using wash: Examples

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

• Example

  I need to wash my hands before eating.

• Example

  She washed the dishes after dinner.

• Example

  The rain washed away the dirt on the sidewalk.

• Example

  He washed his face with cold water.

wash Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wash

• cleanse
• scrub
• rinse
• launder
• douse

Antonyms for wash

• dirty
• soil
• stain

Idioms Using wash

• come out in the wash

  to become clear or resolved over time

  Example

  I'm sure the truth will come out in the wash.

• wash your dirty linen in public

  to discuss private or embarrassing matters in public

  Example

  I can't believe she aired our family problems like that. She really washed our dirty linen in public.

• throw the baby out with the bathwater

  to discard something valuable along with something undesirable

  Example

  Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. There are some good ideas in this proposal.

Phrases with wash

• wash one's hands of something

  to refuse to be involved in something any longer

  Example

  After the scandal, he decided to wash his hands of politics.

• wash out

  to fail or be unsuccessful

  Example

  I hope I don't wash out of the competition.

• wash up

  to clean dishes, utensils, or oneself after a meal

  Example

  I'll wash up while you dry the dishes.

Origins of wash

from Old English 'wæscan', meaning 'to wash'

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Summary: wash in Brief

To 'wash' [wɒʃ] is to clean something using water and soap, such as hands, dishes, or clothes. It can also mean to make something less noticeable or to flow over something. Phrases like 'wash one's hands of something' and idioms like 'come out in the wash' extend the term to metaphorical contexts.