deface Meaning & Definition
What Does Deface Mean?
As a verb, deface means To damage or vandalize something, especially a surface, in a visible or conspicuous manner. It can also mean To void or devalue; to nullify or degrade the face value of.
Deface at a Glance
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /dɪˈfeɪs/ |
| Synonyms | blemish, disfigure and cancel |
| Verb forms | defaces, defacing, defaced |
Deface Definition (Verb)
- To damage or vandalize something, especially a surface, in a visible or conspicuous manner.
After the painting was defaced a decade ago, it went viral and has been a tourist attraction ever since.
- To void or devalue; to nullify or degrade the face value of.
He defaced the I.O.U. notes by scrawling "void" over them.
- To alter a coat of arms or a flag by adding an element to it.
You get the Finnish state flag by defacing the national flag with the state coat of arms placed in the middle of the cross.
Verb
- (flags) To alter a coat of arms or a flag by adding an element to it.
You get the Finnish state flag by defacing the national flag with the state coat of arms placed in the middle of the cross.
Synonyms of Deface
Deface synonyms and antonyms →Deface in a Sentence
After the painting was defaced a decade ago, it went viral and has been a tourist attraction ever since.
He defaced the I.O.U. notes by scrawling "void" over them.
You get the Finnish state flag by defacing the national flag with the state coat of arms placed in the middle of the cross.
Word Forms & Grammar
deface (third-person singular simple present defaces, present participle defacing, simple past and past participle defaced)
Words That Rhyme With Deface
Origin of Deface
From Middle English defacen, from Old French defacier, desfacier (“to mutilate, destroy, disfigure”), from des- (“away from”) (see dis-) + Late Latin facia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deface
What part of speech is deface?
Deface is a verb.
What is another word for deface?
You can replace deface with words such as blemish, disfigure and cancel. See the full list of deface synonyms and antonyms.
What is the past tense of deface?
The past tense of deface is defaced. The present participle is defacing.