Efface
verb
To delete or remove something.
He tried to efface all the memories of his past.
Often appears as...
- efface the memories
- efface from memory
verb
To make oneself less noticeable or prominent.
She tried to efface herself at the party since she didn't know anyone.
Often appears as...
- efface oneself
- efface in the crowd
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To delete or remove something.
He tried to efface all the memories of his past.
Often appears as...
- efface the memories
- efface from memory
verb
To make oneself less noticeable or prominent.
She tried to efface herself at the party since she didn't know anyone.
Often appears as...
- efface oneself
- efface in the crowd
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use
Often used metaphorically to express removing traces or evidence of something.
The artist's influence has been wholly effaced by time.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
Can imply a strong emotional desire to remove memories or associations.
She needed to efface the painful memories to move on.
Pro Tip 3/3Complete Removal
Suggests thoroughness in the act of removing or deleting.
The powerful software can efface every trace of data from the hard drive.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use
Often used metaphorically to express removing traces or evidence of something.
The artist's influence has been wholly effaced by time.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
Can imply a strong emotional desire to remove memories or associations.
She needed to efface the painful memories to move on.
Pro Tip 3/3Complete Removal
Suggests thoroughness in the act of removing or deleting.
The powerful software can efface every trace of data from the hard drive.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use
Often used metaphorically to express removing traces or evidence of something.
The artist's influence has been wholly effaced by time.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
Can imply a strong emotional desire to remove memories or associations.
She needed to efface the painful memories to move on.
Pro Tip 3/3Complete Removal
Suggests thoroughness in the act of removing or deleting.
The powerful software can efface every trace of data from the hard drive.
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Video examples
Compelling Models for...
can try new things and we can adapt quickly when we see that one idea don't work second conservation and science gurgles efface has many other wild places in Africa and around the world many threats but we
Video examples
Compelling Models for...
can try new things and we can adapt quickly when we see that one idea don't work second conservation and science gurgles efface has many other wild places in Africa and around the world many threats but we
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
John Marshall
American Judge
I have always believed that national character... depends more on the female part of society than is generally imagined. Precepts from the lips of a beloved mother... sink deep in the heart, and make an impression which is seldom entirely effaced.
Quote examples
Timothy D. Snyder
American Author
Totalitarianism is not about some state that appears out of nowhere and suddenly is all-powerful. There can't be any such thing. Totalitarianism starts when the difference between your public life and your private life is effaced.
Quote examples
Horace
Roman Poet
The foolish are like ripples on water, For whatsoever they do is quickly effaced; But the righteous are like carvings upon stone, For their smallest act is durable.
Quote examples
George Orwell
British Author
It is also true that one can write nothing readable unless one constantly struggles to efface one's own personality. Good prose is like a windowpane.
Quote examples
Carrie Brownstein
American Musician
The game Rock Band has been haunting me like a bad ring tone. It gets stuck in my head and momentarily effaces all that I love about music.
Quote examples
Maurice Baring
English Dramatist
Memory is the greatest of artists, and effaces from your mind what is unnecessary.
Quote examples
James Whistler
American Artist
Work alone will efface the footsteps of work.
Quote examples
John Marshall
American Judge
I have always believed that national character... depends more on the female part of society than is generally imagined. Precepts from the lips of a beloved mother... sink deep in the heart, and make an impression which is seldom entirely effaced.
Quote examples
Timothy D. Snyder
American Author
Totalitarianism is not about some state that appears out of nowhere and suddenly is all-powerful. There can't be any such thing. Totalitarianism starts when the difference between your public life and your private life is effaced.
Quote examples
Horace
Roman Poet
The foolish are like ripples on water, For whatsoever they do is quickly effaced; But the righteous are like carvings upon stone, For their smallest act is durable.
Quote examples
George Orwell
British Author
It is also true that one can write nothing readable unless one constantly struggles to efface one's own personality. Good prose is like a windowpane.
Quote examples
Carrie Brownstein
American Musician
The game Rock Band has been haunting me like a bad ring tone. It gets stuck in my head and momentarily effaces all that I love about music.
Quote examples
Maurice Baring
English Dramatist
Memory is the greatest of artists, and effaces from your mind what is unnecessary.
Quote examples
James Whistler
American Artist
Work alone will efface the footsteps of work.
Example 1 of 7
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