launder

Launder (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does launder mean?

To disguise the origins of unlawfully obtained money to make it appear as if it comes from legal sources.
"She used a shell company to launder the dirty money and avoid detection."

Detailed Meaning of Launder

Money laundering is a deliberate and often complex method employed by criminals to legitimize their ill-gotten gains, allowing them to enjoy the proceeds without drawing suspicion. This process involves a series of financial transactions, such as moving the funds through multiple accounts or businesses, with the ultimate goal of obscuring the money's illicit origins. 'Laundering' the money can make it challenging for authorities to trace the funds back to criminal activities. The term 'launder' underscores the act of making dirty money appear clean and lawful, highlighting the deception and criminal intent involved in this illicit financial practice. Money laundering is a serious crime that is punishable by law in many jurisdictions worldwide.

Example Sentences for Launder

1. The police suspect that they launder money through their chain of luxury hotels.
2. The criminals used various businesses to launder the illicit gains from their operations.
3. It's essential to understand how terrorists launder funds to disrupt their activities.
4. A good book can enlighten you on how people launder money in the digital age.
5. The plan was to launder the stolen jewels through multiple overseas transactions.
6. She managed to launder the proceeds of her art forgery through high-stakes poker games.

Origin and Etymology of Launder

The verb 'launder,' in the context of disguising the origins of unlawfully obtained money, has an etymology rooted in the world of finance and illegal activities. It draws its metaphorical usage from the literal act of laundering clothes or fabric. The term 'launder' originally meant to wash or clean something, often by immersing it in water. In the illegal financial context, 'money laundering' was coined to describe the process of making illegally gained proceeds, such as those from criminal activities, appear legal and legitimate, just as dirty clothes are cleaned through laundering. The term 'money laundering' came into widespread use in the mid-20th century to describe this illicit financial practice. Its etymology underscores the idea of cleansing or making something illicit appear lawful, reflecting the deceptive and illegal nature of the process.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb launder:

expose

uncover

reveal

disguise

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Launder

1. They were charged with conspiracy to launder money across international borders.
2. Banks are improving their systems to detect attempts to launder money.
3. The financial institution failed to prevent the scheme to launder money, resulting in a hefty fine.
4. He used his connections in the art world to launder millions.
5. They have created a complex network to launder funds from their drug trafficking.
6. It can be challenging for authorities to track criminals who launder money in cryptocurrencies.
7. The global crackdown on corruption is making it harder for officials to launder money.
8. Cryptocurrencies provide new ways for criminals to launder money, complicating law enforcement efforts.
9. Sophisticated technology is being used to launder illicit funds across the world.
10. Many countries are strengthening their laws to fight against those who launder money.
11. In an effort to launder their reputations, corporations sometimes make large charitable donations.
12. Global cooperation is key to tackling those who launder money and fund terrorism.
13. The offshore account was primarily used to launder money from the illegal arms deal.
14. The tech company was accused of helping its users launder money by providing encrypted services.