Bleach
/bliːtʃ/noun
To make something whiter or lighter in color, often by using a chemical agent.
Did you know?In ancient times, the process of bleaching was often linked to purification rituals, where white garments symbolized both cleanliness and the spirit's release from the mortal coil.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhel-
“To shine, flash, or burn.”
Old English
Old English
blēcan
“To make white or to shine.”
Middle English
Middle English
bleken
“To bleach or make pale.”
14th Century
Middle English
bleche
“A process to whiten or remove color.”
Modern English
English
bleach
“To whiten or lighten, particularly with chemicals.”