efface

verb

ef·​face i-ˈfās How to pronounce efface (audio)
e-
effaced; effacing

transitive verb

1
: to eliminate or make indistinct by or as if by wearing away a surface
coins with dates effaced by wear
also : to cause to vanish
daylight effaced the stars
2
: to make (oneself) modestly or shyly inconspicuous
effaceable adjective
effacer noun

Examples of efface in a Sentence

coins with dates effaced by wear a memory effaced by time
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 white exterior peered at me with flat orifices obscured through the mist, barely distinguishable from the dark sky behind it, as though all the world beyond the dome was cut from the same slab, only slightly effaced. Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024 The self gets effaced and re-created in so many cross hatches, small threads, and hypnotic patterns. Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 28 Oct. 2024 Boosters of the seed vault sustain the logic of their effort in part by effacing the embarrassment of the flood. Naomi Oreskes, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024 Beijing has also routinely sent ships and aircraft across the median line running through the Taiwan Strait, effacing a de facto boundary that was defined in 1955. Isaac Kardon, Foreign Affairs, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for efface 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French esfacer, effacer, from e- + face face

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of efface was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near efface

Cite this Entry

“Efface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/efface. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

efface

verb
ef·​face i-ˈfās How to pronounce efface (audio)
e-
effaced; effacing
1
2
: to make unclear by or as if by rubbing out
effaceable adjective
effacement noun
effacer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on efface

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!