deface
verb (used with object)
to mar the surface or appearance of; disfigure.
have defaced
-
present perfectof deface.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.
The birds have defaced houses in Mombasa by defecating on the walls and roofs, while many people shy away from sitting under tree shades for fear of being dirtied by their droppings.
From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2024
Vandals have defaced some of the dairy's signage, and residents have shown up at county meetings to berate public officials for supporting the dairy.
From Salon ● Oct. 26, 2022
Vandals have defaced his statue on the University of Texas campus, most recently with the words "Davis must fall" and "Emancipate UT."
From US News ● May 9, 2015
Mr. Caminero seems to be the latest in a long line of those who have defaced or destroyed art for religious, political or aesthetic reasons.
From New York Times ● Feb. 18, 2014
Ye regions, ignorant of Walpole's name; Ye climes, where kings shall ne'er extend their fame; Where men, miscall'd, God's image have defaced, Their form belied, and human shape disgraced!
From The Poems of Jonathan Swift, D.D., Volume 2 by William Ernst Browning
