defacing
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪˈfeɪsɪŋ/
KK: /dɪˈfeɪsɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of damaging or ruining the appearance of something, especially by writing or drawing on it.
Example
The defacing of the public statue upset many community members.
Conversation
Did you hear about the defacing incident at the park?
Yeah, it's such a shame to see that happen.
I can't believe people would vandalize public spaces like that.
I know, it really ruins the beauty of the place.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
vandalism
damage
desecration
Antonyms
restoration
preservation
repair
verb
Definition
To spoil the surface or appearance of something, often by marking or damaging it.
Example
The artist was upset to find someone had been defacing her mural.
Tense Forms
Past: defaced
Past Participle: defaced
Conversation
Did you hear about the graffiti artists defacing that old building downtown?
Yeah, it’s such a shame to see beautiful places getting ruined.
Exactly! I just don’t understand why people feel the need to deface things.
Root Explanation
Defacing → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "facere" (meaning to make or do). The word "defacing" means to make something less visible or to damage its appearance, effectively taking away from its original form.
Memory Tip
Think of 'taking away' ('de-') from something that is 'made' or 'done' ('facere') — that's why defacing means to damage or ruin the appearance of something.
Visually Confused Words
facing
farcing
decking
dealing
deading
dancing