Vocabulary Spotlight

Deface

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To damage or ruin the appearance or surface of something.

“Vandals defaced the statue with spray paint.”

Pronunciation

[dih-feys]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Vandalize
Disfigure
Mutilate
Damage
Defile

Antonyms

Restore
Repair
Beautify
Preserve
Enhance

Related Words

Defacement (noun)

Word Origin

The word “deface” derives from Old French “desfacier,” meaning “to destroy the appearance of.” It entered English in the late 14th century.

Word Family

Noun: Defacement – The act of damaging or disfiguring.

Mnemonics

Think of “deface” as “de-face” — to destroy or ruin the face or surface of something.

Industry-specific Usage

Art and Monuments

Graffiti or vandalism often defaces public monuments, diminishing their cultural and aesthetic value.

Technology

In technology, a website may be defaced by hackers who alter its appearance without authorization.

Property Law

Property owners may seek legal action if someone defaces their property, as it can lower the value and aesthetic appeal.

In Context

Defacing involves altering the appearance of something in a harmful way. Whether through graffiti or digital hacking, it signifies unauthorized and often irreversible changes.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. What does “deface” mean?

To damage the appearance of something
To repair something
To beautify something
To enhance something

“To damage the appearance of something” is correct, as deface refers to ruining or altering the surface in a harmful way.

2. Fill in the blank: The hackers managed to ______ the website’s homepage with offensive images.

beautify
deface
restore
preserve

“Deface” is correct, as it implies damaging or altering the appearance negatively.

3. Which action is similar to defacing?

Planting flowers in a garden
Polishing a metal statue
Spray painting over a mural
Cleaning a stained window

“Spray painting over a mural” is similar to defacing, as it damages the original appearance.