whitewash

(-wôs̸h′)

noun

  1. a mixture of lime, whiting, size, water, etc., for whitening walls, etc.
  2. a cosmetic formerly used for making the skin fair
    1. a glossing over or concealing of faults or defects in an effort to exonerate or give the appearance of soundness
    2. something said or done for this purpose
  3. Sports, Informal a defeat in which the loser scores no points

transitive verb

  1. to cover with whitewash
  2. to gloss over or conceal the faults or defects of; give a favorable interpretation of or a falsely virtuous appearance to
  3. Sports, Informal to defeat (an opponent) soundly

Related Forms:

See whitewash in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A mixture of lime and water, often with whiting, size, or glue added, that is used to whiten walls, fences, or other structures.
  2. Concealment or palliation of flaws or failures.
  3. A defeat in a game in which the loser scores no points.
transitive verb white·washed, white·wash·ing, white·wash·es
  1. To paint or coat with or as if with whitewash.
  2. To conceal or gloss over (wrongdoing, for example). See Synonyms at palliate.

Related Forms:

  • whiteˈwashˌer noun

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