To destroy a figure on the surface of any thing, whether painted or carved, so as to render it invisible or not distinguishable; as, to efface the letters on a monument.

To blot out; to erase, strike or scratch out, so as to destroy or render illegible; as, to efface a writing; to efface a name.

To destroy any impression on the mind; to wear away; as, to efface the image of a person in the mind; to efface ideas or thoughts; to efface gratitude. To deface is to injure or impair a figure; to effect is to rub out or destroy, so as to render invisible.