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

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