Words / C2

i-FAYS/ɪˈfeɪs/

To efface is to wipe out or make indistinct, or to make oneself inconspicuous: efface a mark, self-effacing. To erase (already in the dictionary) is everyday removal of marks or data; to delete (already in the dictionary) is especially digital, and to expunge (already in the dictionary) is to wipe from an official record. To bowdlerise (already in the dictionary) is to cut “improper” parts. Do not tidy the empty cell out of the appendix.

Meaning

To wipe out or make indistinct; also to make oneself inconspicuous.

Examples

• “Do not efface the empty cell from the appendix.”
• “To erase is to remove marks or data (already in B2). To delete is especially digital (already in A2). To expunge is to wipe from a record (already in C2). To bowdlerise is to make “proper” by cutting (already in C2). A named residual gap can still be exact. A clean page that never states the n is a hole. Write the number or write that it is missing.”

Good to know

Wipe out; make inconspicuous. Everyday: erase / delete (already in this dictionary). Close: expunge (already in C2). Contrast: bowdlerise (already in C2). This batch: emblazon (the display opposite). An appendix is not a hiding place.

Near in meaning

erase, wipe, obliterate, expunge

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