Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for efface

efface

[ ih-feys ]

verb (used with object)

, ef·faced, ef·fac·ing.
  1. to wipe out; do away with; expunge:

    to efface one's unhappy memories.

  2. to rub out, erase, or obliterate (outlines, traces, inscriptions, etc.).
  3. to make (oneself ) inconspicuous; withdraw (oneself ) modestly or shyly.


efface

/ ɪˈfeɪs /

verb

  1. to obliterate or make dim

    to efface a memory

  2. to make (oneself) inconspicuous or humble through modesty, cowardice, or obsequiousness
  3. to rub out (a line, drawing, etc); erase
“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


Discover More

Derived Forms

  • efˈfacement, noun
  • efˈfaceable, adjective
  • efˈfacer, noun
Discover More

Other Words From

  • ef·face·a·ble adjective
  • ef·face·ment noun
  • ef·fac·er noun
  • un·ef·face·a·ble adjective
  • un·ef·faced adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of efface1

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of efface1

C15: from French effacer, literally: to obliterate the face; see face
Discover More

Example Sentences

The laid-back, self-effacing Iowa State graduate grew up on AOL and traces his career arc with references to Myspace and TikTok.

After missing an opportunity to soul-search in Berlin, this gentle, self-effacing character must find the courage to fuse the pieces of their fragmented life without leaving home.

From Time

Few writers are so wise and self-effacing and emotionally honest all in one breath.

Even over video chat, Ishiguro, or “Ish” as he introduces himself, is charming and self-effacing company.

From Time

I hurried away, and it was long before I could efface the impression made upon my mind by this hideous spectacle.

Thus disappeared from his life the only stain which his restoration had not been able utterly to efface.

Then he hastily laid earth in the interstices round it, and tried to efface all signs of its having been recently removed.

Nothing can ever cure me, no dream of my mind can ever efface the dream of my heart.

She has long been dead, but time will never efface from my mind a tender recollection of her kindness.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


effableeffacement