deface
UK: dɪˈfeɪs | US: dɪˈfeɪs
vt. to deliberately spoil the appearance of something, especially by drawing or writing on it
vt. to mar or disfigure the surface of something
vt. (figuratively) to tarnish or damage the reputation of someone or something
deface = de<remove> + face<surface>
- de (prefix): From Latin de-, meaning "remove" or "reverse." In English, it often indicates negation or reversal (e.g., deactivate, decline).
- face (root): From Latin facies, meaning "appearance" or "surface." Retains its core meaning in modern English (e.g., facial, surface).
Etymology Origin:
The word deface emerged in Middle English (14th century) from Old French desfacier, combining des- (Latin de-, "remove") and face ("surface"). It originally described physically damaging surfaces (e.g., erasing writing, scratching coins). Over time, it expanded metaphorically to include reputational harm. The logic is straightforward: "removing the face" of something alters or ruins its appearance.
Vandals defaced the historic monument with graffiti.
The artist refused to deface her painting by adding commercial logos.
False accusations can deface a person's reputation irreparably.
The law prohibits defacing currency with stamps or markings.
Protesters defaced the poster to express their dissent.