Meaning & use
deface
Last updated
To spoil the surface or appearance of something, often deliberately, such as by writing or scratching on it.
See it in a sentence
Vandals defaced the statue with spray paint overnight.
It's illegal to deface public property, including street signs.
A note on using this word
Usually implies intentional, often illegal, damage to a surface, distinguishing it from accidental wear.
Words with a similar meaning
vandalizedisfigure
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
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