whitewash

/ˈwaɪtwɑʃ/

/ˈwaɪtwɒʃ/

Other forms: whitewashed; whitewashing; whitewashes

Definitions of whitewash

1. noun

   wash consisting of lime and size in water; used for whitening walls and other surfaces
   type of:

   wash

   a thin coat of water-base paint
2. noun

   a specious or deceptive clearing that attempts to gloss over failings and defects
   type of:

   clearing

   the act of freeing from suspicion
3. verb

   cover with whitewash
   “whitewash walls”

   types:

   calcimine

   cover with calcimine

   type of:

   wash

   apply a thin coating of paint, metal, etc., to
4. verb

   cover up a misdemeanor, fault, or error
   synonyms: gloss over, hush up, sleek over

   type of:

   cover, cover up

   hide from view or knowledge
5. verb

   exonerate by means of a perfunctory investigation or through biased presentation of data
   type of:

   acquit, assoil, clear, discharge, exculpate, exonerate

   pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
6. noun

   a defeat in which the losing person or team fails to score
   type of:

   defeat, licking

   an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest