verb
efface
ih-FAYS/ɪˈfeɪs/
To remove a visible mark or trace.
The man effaces part of the pencil circle with his eraser.
Etymology
The pieces give the image of removing something’s face or visible appearance. Efface meant erasing or obliterating writing or carving, connecting that image to removing something or making it less noticeable.
In context
with a look of inestimable charm that her wrinkles could not efface
More examples
- She carefully effaces the pencil marks with a soft eraser.
- The fresh coat of paint effaced every trace of graffiti.
- The inscription is nearly effaced, but a few letters remain.
Forms
efface · effaces · effaced · effacing
effacement noun — Removal of visible marks or traces.
Similar words
- erase
- More commonly describes removing writing or marks by rubbing.
- obliterate
- Emphasizes total removal or destruction, leaving no recognizable trace.