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Laundering - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Laundering is the process of making illegally obtained money appear legal by passing it through complex transactions or businesses to hide its true origin. It is often associated with crime.

laundering

/ˈlɔndərɪŋ/ /ˈlɔːndərɪŋ/

Definition:

Cleaning clothes or disguising illegally obtained money to make it appear legitimate.

Synonyms:

washing, cleansing, purifying, sanitizing

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

soiling, dirtying

Common Collocations:

money laundering, laundry detergent, washing machine

Derivatives:

launderer, laundered

Usage Tips:

Use "laundering" for cleaning clothes or hiding illegal money; context clarifies the meaning.

Common Phrases:

money laundering, spin cycle laundering, laundering one's reputation

Etymology:

From Old French "lavandiere," related to washing; financial sense emerged in the 20th century.

Examples:

  • 1. She is laundering her clothes in the machine.
  • 2. The bank was accused of laundering illegal funds.
  • 3. He uses a special detergent for laundering delicate fabrics.
  • 4. Authorities uncovered a large-scale laundering operation last week.

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