- 1[transitive] to make something or someone clean using water and usually soap wash something/somebody These jeans need to be washed. to wash the car to wash your hands Wash the fruit thoroughly before eating. wash something from something She washed the blood from his face. wash something/somebody + adj. The beach had been washed clean by the tide. Thesaurusclean
- wash
- rinse
- cleanse
- dry-clean
- clean to remove dirt or dust from something, especially by using water or chemicals:The house is cleaned twice a week.
- wash to remove dirt from something using water and usually soap:He quickly washed his hands and face. These jeans need to be washed.
- rinse to remove dirt, etc. from something using clean water only, not soap; to remove the soap from something with clean water after washing it:Rinse the cooked pasta with boiling water. Make sure you rinse out all the soap.
- cleanse to clean something or make it pure, especially your skin or a wound
- dry-clean to clean clothes using chemicals instead of water
- to clean/wash/rinse/cleanse something in/with something
- to clean/wash/rinse/cleanse something from something
- to clean/wash/cleanse a wound
- to clean/wash the car/floor
- to wash/rinse your hair
- to have something cleaned/washed/dry-cleaned
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- 2[intransitive, transitive] to make yourself clean using water and usually soap I washed and changed before going out. wash yourself She was no longer able to wash herself.
- 3[intransitive] (+ adv./prep.) (of clothes, cloth, etc.) to be able to be washed without losing color or being damaged This sweater washes well.
- 4[intransitive, transitive] (of water) to flow or carry something or someone in a particular direction + adv./prep. Water washed over the deck. wash something/somebody + adv./prep. Pieces of the wreckage were washed ashore. He was washed overboard by a huge wave. Idioms
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NAmE//wɑʃ//, NAmE//wɔʃ//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they wash ,
he / she / it washes ,
past simple washed ,
-ing form washing ,
to refuse to be responsible for or involved with someone or something When her son was arrested again she washed her hands of him. I've washed my hands of the whole sordid business.
used to say that someone's explanation, excuse, etc. is not valid or that you or someone else will not accept it That excuse simply won't wash with me. Phrasal Verbswash awaywash downwash offwash outwash overwash up
Check pronunciation: wash