Definition

1. 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

1. mar or spoil the appearance of
   • scars defaced her cheeks
   • The vandals disfigured the statue