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Effacing: meaning, definitions and examples

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effacing

 

[ɪˈfeɪsɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

removing, erasing

Effacing refers to the act of making something disappear or less visible, often by removing marks, features, or characteristics. It can involve erasing or obliterating an inscription or outline, rendering it indistinct. This term is often used in artistic contexts, where an artist might efface part of their work to alter its appearance. The word suggests an active process of negating the presence of something from view or consideration.

Synonyms

dissolve, erase, expunge, obliterate, remove.

Examples of usage

  • The artist spent hours effacing parts of the canvas to create a new layer.
  • They used sandpaper for effacing the old paint from the surface.
  • The memories of the event had a way of effacing from her mind.
  • The winds gradually began effacing the sandcastle.
  • He felt that society was effacing important parts of its history.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'efface' comes from the Latin word 'effacere', meaning 'to do away with'.
  • It combines 'ex-' (out) and 'facere' (to do or make), literally meaning to do away with something.
  • This term has been used since the 15th century, mainly in the context of removing marks or memories.

Art

  • In visual arts, effacing might refer to techniques where artists scrape or wash away layers to create subtle textures.
  • Some artists purposefully efface their work to indicate the impermanence of art and memories.
  • The practice of effacing graffiti can lead to discussions about public versus private space in urban environments.

Psychology

  • Effacing can relate to the concept of forgetfulness, where past memories fade over time.
  • People sometimes efface their feelings or thoughts as a coping mechanism to deal with painful experiences.
  • In social psychology, individuals may subconsciously efface parts of their identity to fit into different groups.

Literature

  • In storytelling, characters may efface their past to build a new identity or escape unsavorable circumstances.
  • Themes of effacing memory are explored in many novels, suggesting that forgetting can be both a loss and a form of freedom.
  • Writers often use effacing as a narrative technique to leave certain details ambiguous, prompting readers to fill in the gaps.

Technology

  • In digital spaces, effacing can refer to data deletion, where files are permanently removed from systems.
  • Effacing information online is a growing concern with privacy laws, highlighting the importance of digital footprints.
  • Advanced algorithms can efface personal data to protect users' identities and ensure anonymity online.

Translations

Translations of the word "effacing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apagamento

🇮🇳 मिटाना

🇩🇪 verblassen

🇮🇩 menghapus

🇺🇦 стерти

🇵🇱 wymazywanie

🇯🇵 消去する

🇫🇷 effacement

🇪🇸 borrado

🇹🇷 silme

🇰🇷 지우기

🇸🇦 إزالة

🇨🇿 mazání

🇸🇰 mazanie

🇨🇳 抹去

🇸🇮 brisanje

🇮🇸 eyða

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 წაშლა

🇦🇿 silmə

🇲🇽 borrado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,305, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.