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

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

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

Gang members defaced businesses, schools, parks, churches, and public walls with graffiti.

From Time

Imagine how devastating it would have been had the stonework itself been defaced and left in ruins — a universal, visual trope for civilization’s collapse.

From Washington Post

At the event in 2018, one water pipe control system, likely used for a commercial building, had its computer screen defaced with graffiti-type messages.

From ProPublica

Alas, they have little time to contemplate their momentous finding before their lighting equipment fails and, in the ensuing darkness, they are set upon by an assailant who knocks Henry out, kidnaps Totel and defaces the mural.

From Washington Post

There they denounced a statue of Albert Pike, a Confederate general, defaced it, toppled it with ropes and chains and set it ablaze.

From Washington Post

After sneaking in under the cover of night, the vandals chose these symbols to deface.

From The Daily Beast

It was as if Romney had lit his résumé on fire, and had returned to Boston to deface his gubernatorial portrait.

From The Daily Beast

I am famous practise; for there is scarcely a day when I do not deface God's noblest work for others, or they for me.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the necessary filth of commerce cannot destroy, or scarcely deface the beauty of the country.

From Project Gutenberg

They are the last we shall give to show the extreme wildness and extravagance which deface the drama of Festus.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor was I willing to deface the pages of the work with explanatory notes.

From Project Gutenberg

In the sultry season of 1783, honey-dews were so frequent as to deface and destroy the beauties of my garden.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• demolish
• obliterate
• vandalize