Deface Meaning in English
word
dɪˈfeɪs
di-FAYS
dɪfˈeɪs
dif-AYS
Definition
To spoil, damage, or ruin the appearance or surface of something, especially by writing, drawing, or scratching on it.
Usage & Nuances
'Deface' is formal and often used in legal or official contexts, especially for public property or documents. Common collocations: 'deface a building', 'deface currency'. Don't confuse with 'damage' (more general) or 'vandalize' (criminal intent).
Spanish: desfigurar - dañar (superficie) - vandalizarPortuguese (BR): desfigurar - danificar (superfície) - vandalizarPortuguese (PT): desfigurar - danificar (superfície) - vandalizarChinese (Simplified): 破坏（外观）- 毁容 - 涂写（表面）Chinese (Traditional): 破壞（外觀）- 毀容 - 塗寫（表面）Hindi: बिगाड़ना (चेहरा या सतह) - विकृत करनाArabic: يشوه - يخرب (السطح)Bengali: অবমাননা করা - ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত করাRussian: повреждать - портить внешний видJapanese: 損なう - 汚すVietnamese: làm hỏng bề mặt - bôi bẩnKorean: 훼손하다 - 낙서를 하다Turkish: yüzeyini bozmak - tahrip etmekUrdu: بگاڑنا - خراب کرنا (ظاہری شکل)Indonesian: merusak (permukaan) - mencoret-coret
Example Sentences
Please do not deface the walls with drawings.
basic
Someone defaced the sign with graffiti.
basic
It is illegal to deface money.
basic
The posters were defaced overnight, making them unreadable.
natural
If you deface public property, you could face a fine.
natural
Kids sometimes deface desks at school out of boredom.
natural