deface

[dih-feys]

verb (used with object)

defaced, defacing 

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

Other Word Forms

• defaceable adjective
• defacement noun
• defacer noun
• undefaceable adjective
• undefaced 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

A mural of Rashford, who led a campaign against the government's plans to scrap free school meals out of term time, was defaced in south Manchester following the final.

Read more on BBC

Cars, walls and postboxes were defaced, sometimes with swastikas, they said in a statement.

Read more on BBC

An Australian teenager has faced court for allegedly defacing a large blue sculpture of a mythical creature by sticking googly eyes on it.

Read more on BBC

In County Tyrone, there is a Prince Andrew Crescent in Moygashel - the sign for which has been defaced in the past.

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After being barred from running, Morales urged supporters to deface their ballots and pledged to make a comeback.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• demolish 
• obliterate 
• vandalize