deface

Definition

To damage or vandalize something, especially a surface, in a visible or conspicuous manner.

Etymology

From Middle English defacen, from Old French defacier, desfacier (“to mutilate, destroy, disfigure”), from des- (“away from”) (see dis-) + Late Latin facia.

Example Sentences

• "1869: George Eliot, The Legend of Jubal That wondrous frame where melody began / Lay as a tomb defaced that no eye cared to scan."
• "After the painting was defaced a decade ago, it went viral and has been a tourist attraction ever since."
• "He defaced the I.O.U. notes by scrawling "void" over them."

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