Vocabulary Spotlight
Defaced
Part of Speech: Verb (past tense of deface)
Definition: Having damaged or disfigured the appearance or surface of something.
“The historical statue was defaced with graffiti during the protest.”
Pronunciation
[dih-fayst]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Disfigured
Vandalized
Marred
Scarred
Antonyms
Restored
Enhanced
Beautified
Preserved
Related Words
Defacement (noun)
Word Origin
“Defaced” is the past tense of “deface,” which originated from the Old French “desfacier,” meaning to destroy the appearance of something.
Word Family
Verb: Deface – To damage the appearance of something.
Noun: Defacement – The act of defacing.
Mnemonics
To remember “defaced,” think of “de” + “face” — to ruin or spoil the face or front of something.
Industry-specific Usage
Art and Monuments
Defaced public monuments lose their historical and aesthetic significance, leading to costly restorations.
Technology
Websites can be defaced by hackers who alter their content or appearance for malicious purposes.
Public Property
Defaced public property, like bus stops or public restrooms, can reduce neighborhood appeal and require repairs.
In Context
Defaced items typically lose their original value and appeal. Whether in digital spaces or physical property, defacement signifies damage that often requires intervention to restore its original form or function.