efface

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To erase (as anything impressed or inscribed upon a surface)

   To erase (as anything impressed or inscribed upon a surface); to render illegible or indiscernible.

   • Do not efface what I've written on the chalkboard.
   • An outline of the same device might be traced on his shield, though many a blow had almost effaced the painting.
2. 2

   To cause to disappear as if by rubbing out or striking out.

   • Some people like to efface their own memories with alcohol.
   • The bright records of the last hour effaced all the darker traces left by long and weary days.
3. 3

   To make oneself inobtrusive as if due to modesty or diffidence.

   • Many people seem shy, but they really just efface for meekness.
4. ›+ 2 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Of the cervix during pregnancy, to thin and stretch in preparation for labor.

   2. 5

      Of a woman

      Of a woman: to have the cervix thin and stretch in this manner.

      • Some females efface 75% by the 39th week of pregnancy.

The neighborhood

• neighbordeface