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Obliterate vs Efface - What's the difference?

obliterate | efface |

As verbs the difference between obliterate and efface

is that obliterate is to remove completely, leaving no trace; to wipe out; to destroy while efface is to erase (as anything impressed or inscribed upon a surface); to render illegible or indiscernible.

obliterate

English

Verb

(obliterat)
  • To remove completely, leaving no trace; to wipe out; to destroy.
  • * (1841-1898)
  • *:The harsh and bitter feelings of this or that experience are slowly obliterated .
  • *
  • *:Elbows almost touching they leaned at ease, idly reading the almost obliterated lines engraved there. ΒΆ ("I never) understood it," she observed, lightly scornful. "What occult meaning has a sun-dial for the spooney? I'm sure I don't want to read riddles in a strange gentleman's optics."

    • Synonyms

    * See also

    efface

    English

    Verb

    (effac)
  • To erase (as anything impressed or inscribed upon a surface); to render illegible or indiscernible.
    • Do not efface what I've written on the chalkboard.
  • * 1825 , , The Talisman , A.L. Burt Company (1832?), 15:
    • An outline of the same device might be traced on his shield, though many a blow had almost effaced the painting.
  • To cause to disappear as if by rubbing out]] or [[strike out, striking out.
    • Some people like to efface their own memories with alcohol.
  • (reflexive) To make oneself inobtrusive as if due to modesty or diffidence.
    • Many people seem shy, but they really just efface for meekness.
  • (medicine) Of the cervix during pregnancy, to thin and stretch in preparation for labor.
    • Some females efface 75% by the 39th week of pregnancy.

    Derived terms

    * effaceable * effacement * effacer * self-effacing

    See also

    * deface ----