launder

/ˈlɔːndə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [lˈɔndɚ] /ˈlɔːndər/ (ame, ipa) · [lˈɔndɚ] /ˈlȯn-dər ˈlän-/ (ame, mw)

launder — verb

  • launderpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • laundershe / she / it
  • launderedpast simple
  • laundering-ing form

1. to clean clothes, sheets, towels, or similar fabrics by washing them in water, a

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to clean clothes, sheets, towels, or similar fabrics by washing them in water, and then drying and ironing them so they are ready to use again.

例句

Tendai spent Sunday morning laundering his work shirts and hanging them in the sun.

launder + concrete clothing object

This hotel sends its sheets and towels to a professional service to be laundered.

同義詞
  • wash

    the more general, everyday word; 'wash' does not include drying and ironing.

  • do the laundry

    a common phrasal expression covering the whole chore of washing, drying and folding, used instead of the verb 'launder' in casual speech.

  • clean

    very broad; can describe any removal of dirt from any surface, not just textiles.

反義詞
  • soil

    to make something dirty, the opposite of cleaning it.

  • stain

    to leave a permanent mark on fabric, often before any cleaning happens.

文法句型

launder + object (clothes / sheets / linen)

launder + adverb (by hand / professionally)

用法筆記

Frequently used in passive constructions: 'be laundered' + location or method. The verb implies the full process of washing, drying, and ironing — not just putting clothes in water.

常見錯誤

❌I laundered my hands before dinner.
✅I washed my hands before dinner.
💡'launder' is used for fabrics and household linen, not for body parts.
❌She laundered the dishes after the meal.
✅She washed the dishes after the meal.
💡'launder' applies to textiles, not to hard surfaces or items.

2. to take profits from criminal activities, such as drug dealing or fraud, and rou

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to take profits from criminal activities, such as drug dealing or fraud, and route them through businesses, banks, or investments so that the money seems to have been earned legally.

例句

The accountant was arrested for helping a property developer launder millions through fake renovation contracts.

pattern: launder + money + through + [fake scheme]

Police found that the charity was used to launder drug money from South America.

同義詞
  • clean

    informal synonym; 'to clean money' has the same meaning but is less technical than 'launder'.

  • funnel

    to move money (often illegally) through a particular channel; 'funnel' does not necessarily imply making the money look legal.

  • legitimise

    a broader term; can describe making anything legal or acceptable, not just money.

文法句型

launder + money / funds / cash / profits

launder + money + through + [organisation / scheme]

用法筆記

Almost always used with a direct object that refers to money, profits, or financial assets. The means or channel is commonly introduced by 'through' + a noun phrase describing a business or financial arrangement.

常見錯誤

❌The thief laundered the stolen cash in a drawer under his bed.
✅The thief laundered the stolen cash through a fake consulting firm.
💡'launder' in this sense requires a process that makes illegal money appear legal; simply hiding it is not laundering.
❌He laundered the company's tax returns.
✅He laundered the company's illegal profits.
💡'launder' applies to money or assets gained illegally, not to documents.