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
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.
launder one's reputation
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'
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.
