Pronunciation: [dɪfˈe͡ɪs] (IPA) 
The word "deface" is spelled with a "d" in the beginning, followed by "e", "f", "a", "c", and "e". The IPA transcription for "deface" is /dɪˈfeɪs/. The "d" is pronounced as /d/ like in "dog", the "e" is pronounced as /ɪ/ like in "bit", the "f" is pronounced as /f/ like in "five", the "a" is pronounced as /eɪ/ like in "day", the "c" is pronounced as /k/ like in "cat", and the final "e" is pronounced as /s/ like in "face".
Deface is a verb that refers to the act of purposely damaging or disfiguring the appearance of an object, especially by altering, vandalizing, or destroying its surface. This term is commonly used to describe the intentional alteration or destruction of a physical object, such as defacing public property, walls, or buildings by adding graffiti or markings that mar their original state. It can also pertain to the act of scratching, carving, or gouging a surface to alter its appearance or negatively impact its value, such as defacing a work of art or historical artifact.
In a broader sense, deface can also be applied to the digital realm, where it refers to making unauthorized modifications or alterations to a website, web page, or electronic document, often with the intention of damaging their visual or functional aspects. This could involve altering or deleting content, adding offensive or inappropriate content, or tampering with the design or layout.
The purpose behind defacing can vary greatly, ranging from merely expressing personal sentiments or frustrations, to intentionally defiling or causing harm to an object or its owner. In many jurisdictions, defacing public or private property is considered a crime, subject to legal consequences. This term may also be used metaphorically to describe the alteration, degradation, or destruction of an individual’s reputation, character, or image, through the spread of false information or damaging actions.
To destroy or injure the face or surface of anything; to disfigure; to obliterate or erase.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "deface" originated from Middle English, derived from the Old French word "desfacier", which was formed by combining the prefix "des-" (meaning "down" or "completely") and the verb "facier" (meaning "to make" or "to do"). In turn, "facier" had been derived from Latin "facere" meaning "to make" or "to do". So, ultimately, the etymology of the word "deface" traces back to Latin.
