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deface

verb

/dɪfeɪs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of deface

To intentionally damage or disfigure the appearance or surface of something, typically by altering or vandalizing its original condition.
"The students were caught attempting to deface the school property with permanent markers."

Detailed meaning of deface

When an object or surface is defaced, it undergoes changes that negatively impact its visual integrity, defiling its original state. Defacing can involve scratching, marking, painting, or otherwise altering the surface of an object, such as defacing a wall with graffiti or defacing a document by deliberately making unauthorized changes. It is often an act of vandalism or destruction aimed at expressing dissent, leaving a mark, or diminishing the aesthetic value or functional integrity of the affected item. Defacing can occur on various types of surfaces, including buildings, monuments, artwork, books, or public property. Legal consequences and social disapproval usually accompany defacing due to its disruptive and damaging nature.

Example sentences containing deface

1. Please do not deface the library books with graffiti.
2. The vandals deface public property with their spray paint.
3. He chose to deface his own artwork to make a statement.
4. They deface historical monuments with their reckless actions.
5. It is illegal to deface currency by drawing on it.
6. The graffiti artist used stencils to deface the walls of the abandoned building.

History and etymology of deface

The verb 'deface' has its origins in Middle English, where it was spelled as 'defacen.' This word can be traced back to the Old French term 'desfacier,' which is derived from the Latin word 'disfacere.' In Latin, 'dis' means 'away' or 'apart,' and 'facere' means 'to make' or 'to do.' Therefore, the etymology of 'deface' reveals its roots in the idea of 'making away' or 'undoing' the original appearance or condition of something. Over time, 'deface' has come to be associated with intentionally damaging or disfiguring an object, typically by altering or vandalizing its original state.

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Further usage examples of deface

1. The protesters deface government buildings to voice their discontent.
2. They deface road signs by scratching out important information.
3. It is disrespectful to deface someone's personal belongings.
4. The mischievous children deface their school desks with markers.
5. The artists were asked not to deface the gallery walls during their exhibition.
6. The company hired security guards to prevent anyone from defacing their property.
7. The community came together to clean up and restore the defaced park benches.
8. The school principal warned students about the consequences of attempting to deface school property.
9. The anti-war protesters deface recruitment posters with their messages of peace.
10. The graffiti artist was caught red-handed, defacing the side of a building.
11. It is an offense to deface public restroom walls with graffiti.
12. The artist decided to deface his own mural and start over.
13. The park authorities installed surveillance cameras to deter people from defacing the statues.
14. They deface historical documents with their unauthorized edits.