Meaning of efface in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /əˈfeɪs/

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  1. Verb

    efface

    Etymology

    late 15th century (in the sense ‘pardon or be absolved from (an offense)’): from French effacer, from e- (from Latin ex-‘away from’) + face‘face’

    Definitions

    1. remove completely from recognition or memory

    Examples

    • « efface the memory of the time in the camps »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. make inconspicuous

    Examples

    • « efface onself »

    Derived terms

  3. 3. remove by or as if by rubbing or erasing

    Examples

    • « Please erase the formula on the blackboard--it is wrong! »

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « It is also true that one can write nothing readable unless one constantly struggles to efface one's own personality. Good prose is like a windowpane. »
    George Orwell
  • « Work alone will efface the footsteps of work. »
    James Whistler

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