Deface \De*face"\ (d[-e]*f[=a]s"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Defaced} (d[-e]*f[=a]st"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Defacing}.] [OE. defacen to disfigure, efface, OF. desfacier; L. dis- + facies face. See {Face}, and cf. {Efface}.] 1. To destroy or mar the face or external appearance of; to disfigure; to injure, spoil, or mar, by effacing or obliterating important features or portions of; as, to deface a monument; to deface an edifice; to deface writing; to deface a note, deed, or bond; to deface a record. ``This high face defaced.'' --Emerson.
So by false learning is good sense defaced. --Pope.
2. [Cf. F. d['e]faire.] To destroy; to make null. [Obs.]
[Profane scoffing] doth . . . deface the reverence of religion. --Bacon.
For all his power was utterly defaste [defaced]. --Spenser.
Syn: See {Efface}.
Don't let Ted Turner deface my movie with his crayons,"' said film director Henry Jaglom.
It is a crime to deface government property.
Kraig Kennedy, the Brewton's commander, said hoses were turned on the protesters because they planned to deface the vessel with spray paint.