efface

[ ih-feys ]

verb (used with object)

, ef·faced, ef·fac·ing.

1. to wipe out; do away with; expunge:

   to efface one's unhappy memories.

2. to rub out, erase, or obliterate (outlines, traces, inscriptions, etc.).
3. to make (oneself ) inconspicuous; withdraw (oneself ) modestly or shyly.

efface

/ ɪˈfeɪs /

verb

1. to obliterate or make dim

   to efface a memory

2. to make (oneself) inconspicuous or humble through modesty, cowardice, or obsequiousness
3. to rub out (a line, drawing, etc); erase

Derived Forms

• efˈfacement, noun
• efˈfaceable, adjective
• efˈfacer, noun

Other Words From

• ef·face·a·ble adjective
• ef·face·ment noun
• ef·fac·er noun
• un·ef·face·a·ble adjective
• un·ef·faced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of efface¹

From the Middle French word effacer, dating back to 1480–90; ef-, face

Word History and Origins

Origin of efface¹

C15: from French effacer, literally: to obliterate the face; see face

Example Sentences

And while Fargeat is not very subtle showing Elisabeth literally being effaced from a billboard, illustrating this very point, the emotional toll is palpable.

From Salon

Although written in fire and effaced in ash, these deaths all become recognizable as messages of protest, refusal and resistance in reference to Bouazizi’s act.

From Salon

“Even before birth, all human beings have the image of God, and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing his glory,” Parker wrote.

From Seattle Times

“Even before birth,” he added, “all human beings have the image of God, and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing his glory.”

From New York Times

Concurring with the majority opinion, Chief Justice Tom Parker wrote: "Even before birth, all human beings have the image of God, and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing his glory."

From BBC