deface

verb

de·​face di-ˈfās How to pronounce deface (audio)
dē-
defaced; defacing; defaces

transitive verb

1
: to mar the appearance of : injure by effacing significant details
deface an inscription
2
: impair
3
obsolete : destroy
defacement noun
defacer noun

Examples of deface in a Sentence

The building was defaced with graffiti. He was fined for defacing public property.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The vehicle was also pictured earlier in the day prior to it being defaced. Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 Around them, the ground was strewn with the detritus of the old regime: uniforms, bullet casings, boots, defaced Assad posters. Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025 Related Articles Warsaw Ghetto memorial defaced with anti-Israel graffiti There were also remnants of war, like bullets and shells, bullet holes in gravestones and a pistol from the Warsaw Uprising that was typical of the Polish Underground. Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025 There is potential that these bills could be considered defaced, but enforcement of this may be rare. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deface

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French *desfacer, *deffacer, from des- de- + face front, face

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deface was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deface. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

deface

verb
de·​face di-ˈfās How to pronounce deface (audio)
: to destroy or damage the face or surface of
defacement noun
defacer noun

Legal Definition

deface

transitive verb
de·​face di-ˈfās How to pronounce deface (audio)
defaced; defacing
: to destroy or mar the face or surface of
defacement noun
defacer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on deface

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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