whitewash

views updated Jun 11 2018

white·wash / ˈ(h)wītˌwäsh; -ˌwôsh/ • n. 1. a solution of lime and water or of whiting, size, and water, used for painting walls white. ∎  (also white·wash·ing) a deliberate concealment of someone's mistakes or faults in order to clear their name.2. a victory in a game in which the loser scores no points.• v. [tr.] 1. [usu. as adj.] (whitewashed) paint (a wall, building, or room) with whitewash. ∎  try to clear (someone or their name) by deliberately concealing their mistakes or faults: his wife must have wanted to whitewash his reputation. ∎  deliberately conceal (someone's mistakes or faults): this is not to whitewash the actual political practice of the government.2. defeat (an opponent), keeping them from scoring.DERIVATIVES: white·wash·er n.