efface

verb

ef·​face i-ˈfās 

e-

effaced; effacing

transitive verb

1

: to eliminate or make indistinct by or as if by wearing away a surface

coins with dates effaced by wear

also : to cause to vanish

daylight effaced the stars

2

: to make (oneself) modestly or shyly inconspicuous

effaceable

i-ˈfā-sə-bəl 

e-

adjective

effacer noun

Synonyms

• abolish
• annihilate
• black out
• blot out
• cancel
• clean (up)
• eradicate
• erase
• expunge
• exterminate
• extirpate
• liquidate
• obliterate
• root (out)
• rub out
• snuff (out)
• stamp (out)
• sweep (away)
• wipe out

Examples of efface in a Sentence

coins with dates effaced by wear

a memory effaced by time

Recent Examples on the Web

Along with the barriers between spectators and performers, the era also effaced the boundary between artists and critics. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 June 2025

The class of 2020 mural should be restored to good condition and retained in place, not effaced. —Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025

In other societies, including those of Latin America, the line between conqueror and conquered has, through language, intermarriage and the exchange of customs and food, been partially effaced. —Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025

The bonds of mutual political awakening—the sort of togetherness that was once routine, if uneasy, for Firestone—are completely effaced. —Audrey Wollen, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French esfacer, effacer, from e- + face face

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for efface

• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace
• blackface
• boldface
• bookcase
• braincase
• briefcase
• carcase

Kids Definition

efface

verb

ef·​face i-ˈfās 

e-

effaced; effacing

1

: wipe out sense 1, obliterate

2

: to make unclear by or as if by rubbing out

effaceable

-ˈfā-sə-bəl 

adjective

effacement

-ˈfās-mənt 

noun

effacer noun