Words / B2

di-FAYS/dɪˈfeɪs/

To deface is to spoil the appearance of something by writing on it or damaging its surface: deface a poster; defaced with. Vandalise is broader; graffiti is often the means. Date the defaced notice in the case, then the Act if given. Mix-up: deface vs face; defeat; do not write deface for a planned redesign in the source.

Meaning

To spoil the appearance of something by writing on it or damaging its surface.

Examples

• “Date the defaced notice in the case, then the Act if given, the citizenship paper said.”
• “A defaced statue featured in the news extract, which is still a named monument — quote the date.”

Good to know

deface a poster / statue / notice; defaced with. Close: vandalise. Trap: defeat / a planned redesign. Citizenship and history. Spoil a surface — date it and name the object.

Near in meaning

vandalise, spoil, disfigure

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