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efface (v.)

"to erase or obliterate," especially something written or carved, late 15c., from Middle French effacer, from Old French esfacier (12c.) "to wipe out, destroy," literally "to remove the face," from es- "out" (see ex-) + face "appearance," from Latin facies "face" (see face (n.)). Related: Effaced; effacing; effaceable. Compare deface.

Origin and meaning of efface

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Definitions of efface from WordNet

efface (v.)
remove completely from recognition or memory;
efface the memory of the time in the camps
Synonyms: obliterate
efface (v.)
make inconspicuous;
efface oneself
efface (v.)
remove by or as if by rubbing or erasing;
Synonyms: erase / rub out / score out / wipe off
From wordnet.princeton.edu