ENGLISH
REFERENCE

launder

v.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɫɔndɝ// UK //lˈɔːndɐ// laun·der Archaic

v. to wash clothes or to clean something in a special way. In old stories, it can also mean to hide or cover up a crime.

v. to wash or clean, typically referring to the process of washing clothes. In a literary or archaic context, it may also mean to conceal or cover up a crime or wrongdoing.


SIMPLE

You should launder your clothes before the party.

CONTEXTUAL

The hotel staff is responsible for laundering all the linens and towels used by the guests.

COMPLEX

The detective suspected that the suspect was trying to launder his ill-gotten gains through a series of shell companies and offshore accounts.

Synonyms
Origin

Contracted from Middle English lavender, from Old French lavandiere, from Late Latin lavandera, from Latin lavō (“I wash”).

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