Phrase guide

wash away

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water, such as a flood or a high sea.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Thousands were left homeless as the flood waters washed away the eastern part of the city.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To eliminate.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, figuratively

Examples

  • This latest piece of information, if true, will wash away all doubt.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

remove by the application of water or other liquid and soap or some other cleaning agent

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he washed the dirt from his coat
  • The nurse washed away the blood
  • Can you wash away the spots on the windows?
  • he managed to wash out the stains

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: wash, wash out, wash off

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: remove, take, take away, withdraw

4

verb

Meaning 4

eliminate

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • wash away all the differences

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: remove, take away

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

14 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Belarusian: размыва́ць (razmyvácʹ) — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Belarusian: размы́ць (razmýcʹ) — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Hungarian: elmos — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Ingrian: huuhtoa — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Japanese: 押し流す (oshinagasu) — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Latin: abluō — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Polish: domywać — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Polish: domyć — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Russian: размыва́ть (razmyvátʹ) — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Russian: размы́ть (razmýtʹ) — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Spanish: barrer — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Ukrainian: розмива́ти (rozmyváty) — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Ukrainian: розми́ти (rozmýty) — to eliminate or destroy by fast-moving water
  • Spanish: barrer — to eliminate