houseclean

[hous-kleen]

verb (used with object)

1. to subject (a house, room, etc.) to housecleaning.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in housecleaning.

Other Word Forms

• housecleaner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of houseclean¹

First recorded in 1860–65; back formation from housecleaning

Example Sentences

He embraced a conspiracy theory positing the FBI was “irredeemably corrupt” and advocated “an absolute housecleaning.”

From Salon

“The United States is supposed to be the leader of the world and some punks are letting it go to the ashcan. We obviously need some housecleaning.”

From Los Angeles Times

In the memoir, which criticises the so-called deep state, Patel calls for "comprehensive housecleaning" of the FBI by firing “the top ranks”.

From BBC

The Republican presidential candidate recently offered his emphatic endorsement of a housecleaning when a YouTube personality asked whether he would restore trust in government by holding federal workers “accountable.”

From Los Angeles Times

But even after a new album — the band’s 12th — was released in April, concert sales lagged, leading to the cancellations and a housecleaning behind the scenes.

From New York Times