deface
verb (used with object)
to mar the surface or appearance of; disfigure.
defacing
-
present participleof deface.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Who knew that defacing images of Satan was a popular cultural practice at the time?
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
An Australian teenager has faced court for allegedly defacing a large blue sculpture of a mythical creature by sticking googly eyes on it.
From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2025
The property crimes follow the much-publicized defacing of downtown high-rises with graffiti.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2024
Other climate protesters around the world have taken to defacing works of art hanging in museums, but a spokesman for the New York group said that it had not engaged in that particular protest tactic.
From New York Times ● Mar. 15, 2024
“I see you have been defacing more good parchment, Yollo.”
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
