wash out

verb

1. tr to wash (the inside of something) so as to remove (dirt)
2. Alsowash off to remove or be removed by washing

   grass stains don't wash out easily

3. tr to cancel or abandon (a sporting event)

noun

1. geology
   1. erosion of the earth's surface by the action of running water
   2. a narrow channel produced by this erosion
2. informal.
   1. a total failure or disaster
   2. an incompetent person
3. a sporting or social event that is cancelled due to rain
4. aeronautics a decrease in the angle of attack of an aircraft wing towards the wing tip

Example Sentences

“And if you kill a leader, particularly if they’re beloved, that can rally a base, bringing increases in violence that pretty much wash out any benefits,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Bowman figured out that the team could use water to wash out any yeast that was inside the tiny holes.

From NewsForKids.net

One load of laundry can wash out 500,000 to 6 million plastic microfibers.

From NewsForKids.net

And she must be careful to plan her trips to avoid the occasional rains that can wash out dirt roads.

From Los Angeles Times

Other services cite concerns that lower-performing recruits may be more likely to wash out of boot camp or could present more disciplinary problems over time.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• break down
• break up
• come apart
• crumble
• decay
• decompose
• degenerate
• descend
• disband
• dismantle
• rot
• sever
• shatter
• sink
• splinter
• wither