deface
verb (used with object)
to mar the surface or appearance of; disfigure.
has defaced
-
present perfectof deface (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Equipped with super glue and expanding foam, the mystery vigilante has defaced dozens of newly installed parking meters across North Berwick.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
Dr. Lucie has defaced Scagel’s hallmarking dies with deep scrapes, so they cannot be used to create fakes.
From New York Times ● Mar. 1, 2012
He has defaced his beloved military code of honor.
From Time Magazine Archive
I look to you to apologize for me to Sir S. G, for offering to him a book written by me… one which my pen has defaced….
From Memoir and Letters of Francis W. Newman by Giberne Sieveking
And in all ways time has marred, and living has defaced, and prudence has maimed, until I grieve to entrust that which I bring to what remains of that which yesterday I brought.
From Figures of Earth by James Branch Cabell
