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Deface: meaning, definitions and examples

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deface

 

[ dɪˈfeɪs ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

act of damaging or disfiguring something

To deface means to spoil the surface or appearance of something, typically with graffiti or by drawing or writing on it. It can also refer to damaging or disfiguring something in a way that makes it less attractive or less valuable.

Synonyms

desecrate, disfigure, mutilate, vandalize

Examples of usage

  • The vandals defaced the historic monument with spray paint.
  • She was arrested for defacing public property with offensive language.
  • The graffiti artists defaced the walls of the building with their tags.
Context #2 | Verb

alter the appearance of something in a negative way

To deface can also mean to alter the appearance of something in a negative way, making it less attractive or appealing. This can be done intentionally or accidentally, resulting in a change that is undesirable.

Synonyms

damage, mar, ruin, spoil

Examples of usage

  • The accident defaced the front of the car, causing extensive damage.
  • The weather had begun to deface the once beautiful statue in the park.
  • He didn't mean to deface the painting, but the paint spilled on it.

Translations

Translations of the word "deface" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desfigurar

🇮🇳 बिगाड़ना

🇩🇪 entstellen

🇮🇩 mengotori

🇺🇦 спотворювати

🇵🇱 zniekształcać

🇯🇵 損なう

🇫🇷 défigurer

🇪🇸 desfigurar

🇹🇷 bozmak

🇰🇷 훼손하다

🇸🇦 تشويه

🇨🇿 znetvořit

🇸🇰 znetvoriť

🇨🇳 毁容

🇸🇮 iznakažiti

🇮🇸 afmynda

🇰🇿 бұздыру

🇬🇪 დამახინჯება

🇦🇿 bərbad etmək

🇲🇽 desfigurar

Word origin

The word 'deface' originated from the Middle English word 'defacen', which in turn came from the Old French word 'desfacier' meaning 'to disfigure'. The usage of 'deface' has evolved over time to encompass both physical damage as well as alterations that negatively impact the appearance of something.

See also: efface, face, facet, facing, interface, preface.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,165, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.