deface – to spoil the appearance of something

(Pronounced dih-face)

To remember the definition of the word deface, use the following mnemonic:

The destruction of the face (deface) spoilt the appearance of the painting.

Examples of deface in a sentence

The child decided to deface his homework after getting a bad grade.

The sign at the museum warned that to deface a painting carried a heavy fine.

Graffiti can deface a statue.