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

"I know that all rightminded Mancunians will be saddened that anyone would use this horrific, offensive language and deface this mural in the Gay Village. It is totally unacceptable," he added.

From BBC

Attempts by private groups or individuals to get into a water provider’s network and take down or deface websites aren’t new.

From Seattle Times

Those laws make it a crime to assault someone or deface property because of race, religion or nationality, and increase punishments for other crimes when committed based on similar types of bias.

From Seattle Times

If we build it, they will deface it.

From Los Angeles Times

Critics have said the plan would deface areas of outstanding national beauty by adding more pylons - the huge steel structures which have been accused of blighting landscapes.

From BBC

Related Words

• demolish
• obliterate
• vandalize