WHITEWASHING Meaning and
Definition
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Whitewashing is a term that can be defined as a deliberate attempt to conceal or gloss over a person's or group's negative actions, behaviors, or history, typically through the presentation of a more positive or distorted version of events. The term originates from the process of applying whitewash, a mixture of lime, water, and chalk, to buildings or surfaces to make them appear clean and bright.
Figuratively, whitewashing refers to the practice of sanitizing or sugarcoating the truth, often for the purpose of maintaining a positive image or shielding oneself or an organization from criticism or accountability. It involves the manipulation of information, narratives, or portrayals to downplay or dismiss any unfavorable aspects and create a more favorable view.
Whitewashing can occur in various contexts, such as in the media, politics, history, or public relations. It can involve rewriting historical accounts to diminish the impact of certain events or minimize the transgressions of individuals or groups. In the realm of entertainment, whitewashing can refer to the casting of white actors in non-white roles, erasing or marginalizing the diversity and experiences of those communities.
While whitewashing typically refers to intentional acts of manipulation, it can also stem from unconscious biases or systemic tendencies to ignore or undermine certain perspectives or experiences. Recognizing and challenging instances of whitewashing is crucial for fostering transparency, promoting authenticity, and fostering a more inclusive and accurate understanding of events, individuals, and societies.
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• Overspreading with a white liquid composition.
• The act of freeing a bankrupt from his debts by legal process.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for WHITEWASHING
Etymology of WHITEWASHING
The word "whitewashing" derives from the combination of the verb "white" and the noun "wash". "White" originated from the Old English word "hwīt", meaning the color white or bright. The verb "to white" was first used in the 14th century, meaning "to make white" or "to bleach". The noun "wash" comes from the Old English word "wascan", meaning "to cleanse or bathe".
The figurative meaning of "whitewashing" emerged in the early 19th century. It refers to the act of covering up or glossing over flaws, mistakes, or unpleasant aspects of history, particularly to make something or someone appear more favorable. This usage draws an analogy between the physical act of whitewashing, which involves coating a surface with white paint to hide imperfections, and the metaphorical act of concealing or suppressing uncomfortable truths.
Conjugate verb Whitewashing
CONDITIONAL
I
would whitewash
we
would whitewash
you
would whitewash
he/she/it
would whitewash
they
would whitewash
FUTURE
I
will whitewash
we
will whitewash
you
will whitewash
he/she/it
will whitewash
they
will whitewash
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have whitewashed
we
will have whitewashed
you
will have whitewashed
he/she/it
will have whitewashed
they
will have whitewashed
PAST
I
whitewashed
we
whitewashed
you
whitewashed
he/she/it
whitewashed
they
whitewashed
PAST PERFECT
I
had whitewashed
we
had whitewashed
you
had whitewashed
he/she/it
had whitewashed
they
had whitewashed
PRESENT
I
whitewash
we
whitewash
you
whitewash
he/she/it
whitewashes
they
whitewash
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have whitewashed
we
have whitewashed
you
have whitewashed
he/she/it
has whitewashed
they
have whitewashed
I
am whitewashing
we
are whitewashing
you
are whitewashing
he/she/it
is whitewashing
they
are whitewashing
I
was whitewashing
we
were whitewashing
you
were whitewashing
he/she/it
was whitewashing
they
were whitewashing
I
will be whitewashing
we
will be whitewashing
you
will be whitewashing
he/she/it
will be whitewashing
they
will be whitewashing
I
have been whitewashing
we
have been whitewashing
you
have been whitewashing
he/she/it
has been whitewashing
they
have been whitewashing
I
had been whitewashing
we
had been whitewashing
you
had been whitewashing
he/she/it
had been whitewashing
they
had been whitewashing
I
will have been whitewashing
we
will have been whitewashing
you
will have been whitewashing
he/she/it
will have been whitewashing
they
will have been whitewashing
I
would have whitewashed
we
would have whitewashed
you
would have whitewashed
he/she/it
would have whitewashed
they
would have whitewashed
I
would be whitewashing
we
would be whitewashing
you
would be whitewashing
he/she/it
would be whitewashing
they
would be whitewashing
I
would have been whitewashing
we
would have been whitewashing
you
would have been whitewashing
he/she/it
would have been whitewashing
they
would have been whitewashing
