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efface

[ ih-feys ]
/ ɪˈfeɪs /
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See synonyms for: efface / effacing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), ef·faced, ef·fac·ing.
to wipe out; do away with; expunge: to efface one's unhappy memories.
to rub out, erase, or obliterate (outlines, traces, inscriptions, etc.).
to make (oneself) inconspicuous; withdraw (oneself) modestly or shyly.
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Origin of efface

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

OTHER WORDS FROM efface

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use efface in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for efface

efface
/ (ɪˈfeɪs) /

verb (tr)
to obliterate or make dimto efface a memory
to make (oneself) inconspicuous or humble through modesty, cowardice, or obsequiousness
to rub out (a line, drawing, etc); erase

Derived forms of efface

effaceable, adjectiveeffacement, nouneffacer, noun

Word Origin for efface

C15: from French effacer, literally: to obliterate the face; see face
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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