# deface

> English word · Verb · IPA /dɪˈfeɪs/ · frequency rank #65,043

## Definitions
1. To damage or vandalize something, especially a surface, in a visible or conspicuous manner.
2. To void or devalue; to nullify or degrade the face value of.
3. To alter a coat of arms or a flag by adding an element to it.

## Etymology
From Middle English defacen, from Old French defacier, desfacier (“to mutilate, destroy, disfigure”), from des- (“away from”) (see dis-) + Late Latin facia.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/deface