Definitions

1. noun

a mixture of water and lime or a similar substance, used as a coating to whiten or protect surfaces, especially walls, floors, and ceilings

“The landlord decided to whitewash the entire apartment before renting it out.”

2. verb

to cover or coat with a whitewash, or to make something seem innocent or harmless by covering up the truth or facts

“The company tried to whitewash its role in the environmental disaster by donating to local charities.”

3. verb

to give an unfair or biased account of something, especially to make someone seem innocent or to conceal the truth

“The media accused the politician of trying to whitewash the scandal by blaming it on his aides.”