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

Derived Forms

• efˈfacement, noun
• efˈfacer, noun
• efˈfaceable, adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of efface¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of efface¹

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

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.

From Washington Post

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.

From Washington Post

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg