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Glite Dictionary
💦 To clean with water 🔄 To reset device
to powerwash

to powerwash

6.5
To erase all user data and settings and return a device to factory settings
  • verb
  • /ˈpaʊərˌwɔʃ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : restablecer de fábrica
  • If your Chromebook keeps freezing, consider powerwashing it after backing up important files to cloud storage.

Examples

  • He powerwashed the laptop yesterday, returning it to factory settings before selling it to a friend.

  • You should powerwash your device before selling it.

  • After the malware infection, she had to powerwash the Chromebook to remove the corrupted user profile.

  • He powerwashed his Chromebook last night.

  • After experiencing technical issues, she decided to powerwash the Chromebook to restore it to its original settings.

  • Before selling the tablet, he made sure to powerwash it to erase all personal data.

  • If your device is running slowly, try powerwashing it for a fresh start.

Synonyms

to wipe
vsto powerwash
  • Specialized
308 3.6

To erase all data on a computer or phone so it cannot be recovered

erases data and also restores the device to factory state
to clean
vsto powerwash
260 1.0

To empty something completely

empties contents but specifically resets device software and settings
to wipe out
vsto powerwash
189 4.2

Destroy something so nothing is left

removes data while specifically restoring device to factory condition
to clean out
vsto powerwash
91 3.2

Empty a place or container by removing everything inside

applies to devices too but focuses on software reset to factory state
to clear
vsto powerwash
  • Specialized
24 4.9

To remove stored information from a device

removes data but additionally returns settings to factory defaults
to deprogram
vsto powerwash
  • Specialized
1 6.3

To remove instructions or settings from an electronic device

removes user data and also resets all settings to factory

Antonyms

to retain
47 3.2

To keep facts or information in your memory

How Complete

to powerwash
  • Specialized
6.5
to reset
107 2.9
to restart
85 2.3

Surface Forms

powerwash infinitive
powerwashed past
powerwashed past participle
powerwashing present participle
powerwashes third person singular

Morphology

powerwash = power + wash (semi-transparent) = power + wash

This computing sense is a metaphorical extension of 'wash' (to clean) applied to data/settings, so the relation to the components is understandable but specialized and not fully predictable for all learners.

Etymology

Powerwash in computing borrows the same cleaning image: the parts power and wash suggest 'wash away' your data and settings. A helpful way to remember it is to think of 'washing' the device clean, which is why a powerwash returns a computer to its 'factory default' state.