冲洗 (chōng xǐ) is a compound verb meaning 'to rinse' or 'to flush'—that is, to wash away dirt, residue, or unwanted substances using flowing water. The first character 冲 (chōng) conveys the idea of 'rushing' or 'forceful flow', while 洗 (xǐ) means 'to wash'. Together, they emphasize thorough cleansing with running water rather than soaking or wiping. It’s commonly used for cleaning objects like dishes, wounds, film negatives, contact lenses, or even nasal passages.

This verb often appears in health-related and household contexts, especially where hygiene or precision matters. Unlike 洗 (xǐ) alone—which can mean general washing—冲洗 specifically implies water moving over or through something to remove particles. It’s frequently paired with objects requiring gentle but effective removal of contaminants, such as eyes after chemical exposure or photographic materials during development.