Exfigure

/ɛksˈfɪɡjər/ verb

Definition

To disfigure, deform, or spoil the appearance or character of something.

Etymology

From Latin 'ex-' (out, away) + 'figurare' (to shape, form). The verb form describing the action of removing or destroying a figure's form.

Kelly Says

Exfigure is one of those archaic English verbs that seems made-up today, but it perfectly demonstrates how productive the 'ex-' prefix was in Early Modern English, allowing writers to create verbs meaning 'to undo' or 'to reverse' almost any action.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.