efface

[ ih-feys ]
/ ɪˈfeɪs /

verb (used with object), ef·faced, ef·fac·ing.

to wipe out; do away with; expunge: to efface one's unhappy memories.
to rub out, erase, or obliterate (outlines, traces, inscriptions, etc.).
to make (oneself) inconspicuous; withdraw (oneself) modestly or shyly.

Origin of efface

From the Middle French word effacer, dating back to 1480–90. See ef-, face

OTHER WORDS FROM efface

Words nearby efface

efate, efavirenz, eff, eff., effable, efface, effect, effecter, effective, effective conjugate, effective current

Example sentences from the Web for effacement

British Dictionary definitions for effacement

efface
/ (ɪˈfeɪs) /

verb (tr)

to obliterate or make dim to efface a memory
to make (oneself) inconspicuous or humble through modesty, cowardice, or obsequiousness
to rub out (a line, drawing, etc); erase

Derived forms of efface

effaceable, adjective effacement, noun effacer, noun

Word Origin for efface

C15: from French effacer, literally: to obliterate the face; see face