deface
/di'feis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To deliberately damage the appearance of something, especially a surface, by writing, drawing, or marking on it. This often involves graffiti or other forms of vandalism.
- To spoil the surface or appearance of something, making it less attractive or complete. This can include erasing or obliterating parts of an object.
Usage
- The verb "deface" is transitive and requires a direct object (the thing being damaged).
- It is commonly used in contexts involving vandalism, historical preservation, and property damage.
- The past tense and past participle form is "defaced."
Examples
- Vandals defaced the historic monument with spray paint.
- Please do not deface library books by writing in the margins.
- The important part of the document had been defaced, making it impossible to read.
Advanced Usage
- "to deface currency": to intentionally damage paper money, which is illegal in many countries.
- Defacing currency is a federal offense.
- "to deface a poster/billboard": to spoil a public advertisement.
- Protesters defaced the campaign posters.
Variants and Related Words
- Defacement (noun): The act of defacing or the resulting damage.
- The defacement of the statue was a criminal act.
Synonyms
- Vandalize: To deliberately destroy or damage public or private property.
- Disfigure: To spoil the appearance of something or someone.
- Mar: To impair the appearance of; disfigure.
- Spoil: To diminish or destroy the value or quality of.
Antonyms
- Restore: To bring back to an original or former condition.
- Preserve: To maintain something in its original or existing state.
- Adorn: To make more beautiful or attractive.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "Deface public property": A common legal phrase describing the crime of vandalizing objects owned by the public or government.
- He was arrested for defacing public property.
Verb
- mar or spoil the appearance of
- scars defaced her cheeks
- The vandals disfigured the statue