deface

[ dih-feys ]

verb (used with object)

, de·faced, de·fac·ing.

1. to mar the surface or appearance of; disfigure:

   to deface a wall by writing on it.

   Synonyms: spoil

2. to efface, obliterate, or injure the surface of, as to make illegible or invalid:

   to deface a bond.

deface

/ dɪˈfeɪs /

verb

1. tr to spoil or mar the surface, legibility, or appearance of; disfigure

Derived Forms

• deˈfacement, noun
• deˈfaceable, adjective
• deˈfacer, noun

Other Words From

• de·facea·ble adjective
• de·facement noun
• de·facer noun
• unde·facea·ble adjective
• unde·faced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deface¹

1275–1325; Middle English defacen, from Old French desfacier, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + facier ( face face + -ier infinitive suffix)

Synonym Study

See mar.

Example Sentences

Min has faced a barrage of attacks related to his DUI arrest last year and last month had his campaign signs defaced with anti-Asian slurs.

From Los Angeles Times

But the unexpected appearance of his father at the scene is, to judge by the coiled anger on Holland’s face, as if someone had defaced one of his works with an alien hue.

From Los Angeles Times

Pictures provided by Min’s campaign showed several signs defaced with a racist slur for someone of Asian descent.

From Los Angeles Times

The property crimes follow the much-publicized defacing of downtown high-rises with graffiti.

From Los Angeles Times

The work - of two elephants poking their heads out of blocked-out windows - was painted on the side of a house in Chelsea, before it was defaced with white stripes.

From BBC

Related Words

• demolish
• obliterate
• vandalize