Word: whitewash Part of Speech: verb Etymology: The noun is derived from white (adjective) + wash (noun). Noun sense 5.1 (“medicinal preparation for treating skin diseases”) is a calque of New Latin lōtiō alba (literally “white wash”). The verb is derived partly from white (adjective) + wash (verb), and partly from the noun. Pronunciation: /ˈwaɪtwɒʃ/, /ˈʍaɪtˌwɑʃ/, /ˈʍɐɪt-/, /ˈwaɪt-/, /ˈʍɐɪtˌwɑʃ/ 1. To paint (a building, a wall, etc.) a bright white with whitewash. Labels: transitive Example: Near-synonym: limewash (often coinstantial) Example: The houses looked very bright after they had whitewashed the whole neighbourhood. 2. To distort or give a misleading account of (history, a narrative, etc.) by discounting the participation of people of colour and focusing on white people. Labels: derogatory, figuratively, transitive Example: If you appreciate historical accuracy and fair inclusion, don't go see this film [Stonewall (2015)]. If you don’t want to fuel the economy at another Hollywood attempt of whitewashing American history, don't give any aspect of this film a single dime or promotion. Example: Sofia Coppola's The Beguiled cuts the book's black characters, whitewashing its tale of the Civil War–era South. At this point, that's hardly a surprise. [subtitle] 3. To distort or give a misleading account of (history, a narrative, etc.) by discounting the participation of people of colour and focusing on white people. Labels: derogatory, figuratively, transitive Example: From Scarlett Johansson's heroine in the remake of the anime classic to Tilda Swinton as a Himalayan high priest in Doctor Strange, the film industry stands accused of whitewashing Asian characters and culture. Does it have a defence? [subtitle] […] Swinton replied that Dr Strange's writers were seeking to avoid the tired Orientalist stereotype of the "wise old Eastern geezer" or "Fu Manchu type". […] In other words, it was whitewashing in the name of diversity. 4. To distort or give a misleading account of (history, a narrative, etc.) by discounting the participation of people of colour and focusing on white people. Labels: derogatory, figuratively, transitive Example: One of Naomi Osaka's sponsors has been forced to apologise after depicting the Japanese tennis star, who is half-Haitian, with pale skin in an advertisement. […] The company said it had not intended to "whitewash" the athlete, […] The ad, which also features her compatriot Kei Nishikori, drew criticism on social media, with many users accusing Nissin of whitewashing Osaka, whose mother is Japanese. 5. To cover or coat (something) with a white substance, as if with whitewash (noun sense 1); also, to light up (something) with white light. Labels: figuratively, literary, poetic, transitive 6. To clear (someone's) debts, especially through a declaration of bankruptcy by a court; also, to clear or write off (a debt). Labels: figuratively, transitive Example: Meanwhile, Sam, having been formally introduced to the whitewashed gentleman and his friends, as the offspring of Mr. Weller, of the Belle Savage, was treated with marked distinction, and invited to regale himself with them in honour of the occasion—an invitation which he was by no means backward in accepting. 7. To hide (someone's) mistakes, or to create an appearance of honesty, propriety, etc., for (someone); also, to intentionally hide or overlook (mistakes, unfavourable facts, wrongdoing, etc.). Labels: figuratively, often, transitive Example: In his sermon, the minister didn’t try to whitewash over the sins of his church. Example: Novv, Sir, vvhen my Time comes, leſt they ſhou'd think it vvorth vvhile to handle my Memory vvith the ſame Freedom, I am vvilling to prevent its being ſo odly beſmear'd (or at beſt but flatly vvhite-vvash'd) by taking upon me to give the Publick This, as true a Picture of myſelf as natural Vanity vvill permit me to dravv; […] 8. To achieve a complete victory or series of victories over (an opponent) without suffering any losses; also, to achieve a victory or series of victories over (an opponent) by a very large margin. Labels: figuratively, informal, transitive Example: Australia whitewashed the West Indies 3–0. 9. To make (the face, etc.) look lighter with makeup or a similar preparation. Labels: archaic, historical, transitive 10. Synonym of bleach (“to treat (fabric) with a substance which lightens or whitens”). Labels: obsolete, transitive 11. To paint bright white with whitewash (noun sense 1). Labels: intransitive 12. To have debts cleared through a declaration of bankruptcy by a court. Labels: figuratively, intransitive 13. Of bricks: to become encrusted with a white layer of soluble salts due to efflorescence. Labels: archaic, intransitive