Meaning & Definition of word "Launder"
to
Launder
/ˈlɔːndər/
verb:
- 1. to wash and iron (clothes, linens, etc.)
- Example: I need to launder my clothes before the trip.
- 2. to make (money obtained illegally) appear legitimate
- Example: He was arrested for trying to launder money through various businesses.
- 3. to clean or purify (something) through a process
- Example: They used a special method to launder the contaminated water.
Etymology
From the Old French 'laver' meaning 'to wash'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
launder money:
To illegally hide the origins of money gained through criminal activity.
laundry day:
A day set aside for doing laundry.
Related Words
laundry:
The act of washing clothes or linens.
laundromat:
A facility that provides washing machines and dryers for public use.
Slang Meanings of launder
Meaning: To clean up or make something look better.
Example Sentence: They really laundered that old car to make it sellable.
Meaning: To falsify something to make it appear legitimate.
Example Sentence: He laundered the report to hide the mistakes.