English Explanatory Dictionary

deface

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To damage or vandalize something, especially a surface, in a visible or conspicuous manner.
  2. To void or devalue; to nullify or degrade the face value of.
  3. To alter a coat of arms or a flag by adding an element to it.

Pronunciation

/dɪˈfeɪs/ /diːˈfeɪs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-deface.wav

Word forms

deface defaces defacing defaced

Etymology

From Middle English defacen, from Old French defacier, desfacier (“to mutilate, destroy, disfigure”), from des- (“away from”) (see dis-) + Late Latin facia.

Synonyms

befoul besmirch blemish blight contaminate contort damage deface defame defile deform demolish destroy destruct devastate dilapidate disgrace distort harm impair injure maim mangle mutilate pollute ruin scath scathe scratch shend soil spoil stain sully taint tarnish trash uglify undermine worsen wreck disfigure mar obliterate scar vandalize cancel devalue nullify void

Antonyms

beautify fix rectify

Related words

efface

Derived words

defaceable defacement defacer defacingly undefaced
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