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efface

2 syllables
Quick answer

As a verb, efface means erase (as anything impressed or inscribed upon a surface).

Meanings of efface

6 meanings

verb

  1. 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.”

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

    “Some people like to efface their own memories with alcohol.”

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

    “Many people seem shy, but they really just efface for meekness.”

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

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

  5. Remove completely from recognition or memory

    “efface the memory of the time in the camps”

    Similar: obliterate
  6. Remove by or as if by rubbing or erasing

    “Please erase the formula on the blackboard — it is wrong!”

    Similar: erase, rub out, score out, wipe off

Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).

Synonyms by meaning

verb: remove completely from recognition or memory
verb: remove by or as if by rubbing or erasing
eraserub outscore outwipe off

Words that rhyme with efface

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