whitewash
1 of 2noun/ˈwaɪt.ˌwɑ:ʃ/
Forms:whitewashes
1
a type of water-based paint or coating made from a mixture of lime, water, and other additives that is used to brighten, disinfect, or decorate surfaces
Whitewash is a type of paint made from water, lime, and pigment. It is used to create a white or light-colored finish on walls, fences, and other surfaces. Whitewash is known for its transparent quality, which allows some of the surface texture to show through. It is often used to give a fresh, bright look to buildings or to protect surfaces like wood and brick.
- They applied a fresh coat of whitewash to the garden fence.
- The walls were coated with whitewash to give the room a clean look.
- Farmers often use whitewash to protect barns from pests.
- The old house had a layer of whitewash on its exterior walls.
- The painter mixed the lime and water carefully before applying the whitewash.
2
an attempt to make something seem better or more innocent than it really is by hiding faults or wrongdoing
- The investigation was nothing more than a whitewash to protect powerful people.
- Critics called the movie a whitewash of the dictator's crimes.
- The press conference turned into a whitewash of the company's failures.
- His apology was seen as a whitewash rather than a genuine admission of guilt.
- The committee's report was a whitewash that ignored key evidence.
3
a contest in which one side wins while the other side does not achieve any points
- The home team suffered a 5–0 whitewash.
- They were determined to avoid a whitewash in the championship final.
- The match ended in a whitewash, with the visitors unable to score.
- Fans were shocked by the whitewash in the tournament.
- The team experienced its first whitewash of the season.