hand-washing - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

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hand-washing

|hand-wash-ing|

🇺🇸

/ˈhændˌwɑʃɪŋ/

🇬🇧

/ˈhændˌwɒʃɪŋ/

(hand-wash)

clean by hand

Base Form	Plural	3rd Person Sing.	Past	Past Participle	Present Participle	Noun
hand-wash	hand-washings	hand-washes	hand-washed	hand-washed	hand-washing	handwashing

Etymology

Etymology Information

'hand-washing' is a compound formed in modern English from 'hand' + 'washing' (the noun form of 'wash'). 'hand' originates from Old English 'hand', and 'wash' originates from Old English 'wæscan'.

Historical Evolution

'hand' comes from Old English 'hand' (Germanic root), while 'wash' comes from Old English 'wæscan' (from Proto-Germanic '*waskjaną'); the compound 'hand-washing' developed in Modern English by combining the noun 'hand' with the gerund/noun 'washing'.

Meaning Changes

Originally the separate words referred simply to the body part 'hand' and the action 'wash'; over time the compound came to denote specifically the hygienic practice of washing hands (especially for preventing disease).

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the action or practice of washing one's hands, especially to remove dirt or germs (personal hygiene).

Hand-washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection.

Synonyms

handwashinghand hygienewashing hands

Antonyms

not washing (hands)neglecting hygiene

Verb 1

present participle/gerund of 'hand-wash': to wash (something) by hand or to wash one's hands by hand rather than using a machine.

She is hand-washing the delicate blouse to avoid damage.

Synonyms