Removing, erasing, or making something disappear, especially by rubbing away or hiding it from sight.
From Old French 'effacer,' composed of 'ex-' (out) and 'face' (face/surface). The meaning evolved from literally wiping off a face to any removal or erasure of visible marks.
This word connects to how we physically erase things—pencil marks on paper literally have their 'face' removed. Interestingly, when we 'efface ourselves,' we're using the same root to describe becoming invisible in social situations, showing how physical and metaphorical erasure share the same ancient concept.
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