Vocabulary in context
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Efface
To erase or rub out; to cause something to disappear or become indistinct by removing traces.
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Imagine This
Imagine an old inscription on a weathered statue whose letters fade away over centuries, until only a smooth surface remains where the words once stood.
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Sounds Like
deface
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Looks Like
Deface
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Remember This
Efface means to erase or rub out, not to damage the surface. It is often contrasted with deface, which means to mar or spoil the appearance of something.
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Other Forms
effacedadjective
effacingadjective
effacementnoun
effaceableadjective
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Connect With
erase, wipe out, expunge, obliterate, remove
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Note
Efface is typically transitive (efface something). It is commonly used with memories, inscriptions, evidence, or traces rather than physical damage to a surface. Do not confuse with deface, which implies damage or disfigurement.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The weathered inscriptions on the stone tablet were effaced by centuries of rain.
- Over time, the memory of the incident was effaced from her mind.
Synonyms
erasewipe outexpungeobliterateremove
Antonyms
preserveretainkeep
Etymology
From French effacer 'to erase,' from Latin ex- 'out' + facere 'to do/make' (to make disappear); the sense evolved from removing or clearing away to erasing traces.
Mnemonic
Think 'EFF-ace' as 'erase the FACE'—imagine erasing the face from a photograph to make it disappear.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Expunge
verbTo erase or remove completely; to blot out or obliterate, especially a record, memory, or evidence.
Obliterate
verbTo wipe out; to erase completely or destroy utterly.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
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