Main Entry:

¹wash

Pronunciation:

\ˈwȯsh, ˈwäsh, chiefly Midland also ˈwȯrsh or ˈwärsh\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English wascan; akin to Old High German waskan to wash and perhaps to Old English wæter water

Date:

before 12th century

transitive verb1 a: to cleanse by or as if by the action of liquid (as water) b: to remove (as dirt) by rubbing or drenching with liquid2: to cleanse (fur) by licking or by rubbing with a paw moistened with saliva3 a: to flush or moisten (a bodily part or injury) with a liquid b (1): to wet thoroughly : drench (2): to overspread with light : suffuse c: to pass a liquid (as water) over or through especially so as to carry off material from the surface or interior4: to flow along or dash or overflow against <waves washing the shore>5: to move, carry, or deposit by or as if by the force of water in motion <houses washed away by the flood>6 a: to subject (as crushed ore) to the action of water to separate valuable material b: to separate (particles) from a substance (as ore) by agitation with or in water c (1): to pass through a bath to carry off impurities or soluble components (2): to pass (a gas or gaseous mixture) through or over a liquid to purify it especially by removing soluble components7 a: to cover or daub lightly with or as if with an application of a thin liquid (as whitewash or varnish) b: to depict or paint by a broad sweep of thin color with a brush8: to cause to swirl <washing coffee around in his cup>9: launder 3 <how the mob washes its money through corrupt bankers — Vincent Teresa>intransitive verb1: to wash oneself or a part of one's body2: to become worn away by the action of water3: to clean something by rubbing or dipping in water4 a: to become carried along on water : drift <cakes of ice washing along> b: to pour, sweep, or flow in a stream or current <waves of pioneers washing westward — Green Peyton>5: to serve as a cleansing agent <this soap washes thoroughly>6 a: to undergo laundering <this dress doesn't wash well> b (1): to undergo testing successfully : work 4 <an interesting theory, but it just won't wash> (2): to gain acceptance : inspire belief <the story didn't wash with me>

— wash one's hands of

: to disclaim interest in, responsibility for, or further connection with