from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Efface \Ef*face"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Effaced}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Effacing}.] [F. effacer; pref. es- (L. ex) + face face;
prop., to destroy the face or form. See {Face}, and cf.
{Deface}.]
1. To cause to disappear (as anything impresses or inscribed
upon a surface) by rubbing out, striking out, etc.; to
erase; to render illegible or indiscernible; as, to efface
the letters on a monument, or the inscription on a coin.
[1913 Webster]
2. To destroy, as a mental impression; to wear away.
[1913 Webster]
Efface from his mind the theories and notions
vulgarly received. --Bacon.
Syn: To blot out; expunge; erase; obliterate; cancel;
destroy. -- {Efface}, {Deface}. To deface is to injure
or impair a figure; to efface is to rub out or destroy,
so as to render invisible.
[1913 Webster]