The phrase "wash away" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /wɒʃ əˈweɪ/. The first sound is a voiceless labialized velar approximant, also known as the "w" sound, followed by a short "o" sound. The "sh" sound is represented by the phoneme /ʃ/, a voiceless postalveolar fricative. The second syllable begins with the unstressed schwa sound /ə/ and ends with a long "a" sound represented by the letter "a". The final sound is another "y" sound represented as the phoneme /j/.
The expression "wash away" refers to the act of removing or eradicating something by means of water or a flow of liquid. It commonly implies that the action has been conducted in a forceful or intense manner, resulting in the complete elimination or obliteration of the subject.
In the literal sense, "wash away" can be understood as the process of clearing away dirt, debris, or stains from a surface using water. For instance, one may wash away mud from a car or scrub off stains from clothing. This interpretation also relates to the removal of undesirable elements from various objects or materials.
Furthermore, "wash away" figuratively conveys the idea of eliminating or erasing something abstract or intangible. This includes eradicating negative emotions, like grief or resentment, from one's mind or heart. Additionally, it can refer to the eradication of undesirable situations, such as washing away a bad memory or forgetting a painful experience.
In a more profound sense, "wash away" can connote the idea of complete annihilation or destruction, typically associated with natural forces. For example, one might use this expression to describe a flood that washes away entire structures or a powerful storm that washes away coastal regions.
Overall, "wash away" denotes the process of eliminating by means of water or liquid, whether it involves physical cleaning, removal of undesirable elements, or complete destruction.
The word "wash away" is a combination of the verb "wash" and the adverb "away".
The term "wash" has Old English origins, deriving from the word "wascan" which meant "to cleanse by flowing water" or "to wet or moisten". It has Germanic roots and has remained relatively unchanged in meaning throughout its history.
The word "away" also has Old English roots, originating from the word "onweg" which means "from this place" or "to a distance". It is a combination of the two elements "on" meaning "on" or "in" and "weg" meaning "way" or "road".
Therefore, combining the two terms, "wash away" came to mean "to cleanse or carry something to a distance through flowing water".