What is "wash out"

Wash out \Wash out\, v. i. & t.

1. to be removed by washing; -- of spots and stains, especially on clothing.

2. to be removed, broken, or destroyed by the action of flowing water; as, the bridge was washed out by the flood.

3. to fail in a course of study or training, especially to leave before completion of the course.

vb. 1 To remove something by washing. 2 (context idiomatic English) To wear away by the flow of water; to erode.

1. v. prevent or interrupt due to rain; "The storm had washed out the game" [syn: rain out]

2. wash free from unwanted substances, such as dirt; "Wash out your dirty shirt in the sink"

3. wear or destroy by the force of water; "The hail storms had washed out the bridges"

4. remove by the application of water or other liquid and soap or some other cleaning agent; "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" [syn: wash, wash off, wash away]

5. deplete of strength or vitality; "The illness washed her out"

6. drain off the color in the course of laundering; "The harsh soap washed out the delicate blouse"

7. lose color in the process of being washed; "The expensive shirt washed out in the German washing machine"