efface

To efface is defined as to make yourself inconspicuous or hidden from attention, or to erase something or consciously forget something.

(verb)

When you block a memory out of your mind, effectively erasing it, this is an example of efface.
Where you try hard to blend in and not be noticed, this is an example of efface.

See efface in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb effaced, effacing

to rub out, as from a surface; erase; wipe out; obliterate: time effaced the memory
to make (oneself) inconspicuous; withdraw (oneself) from notice

Origin: Fr effacer < e- (see ef-) + face: see face

Related Forms:

See efface in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb ef·faced, ef·fac·ing, ef·fac·es

To rub or wipe out; erase.
To make indistinct as if by rubbing: “Five years' absence had done nothing to efface the people's memory of his firmness” (Alan Moorehead). See Synonyms at erase.
To conduct (oneself) inconspicuously: “When the two women went out together, Anna deliberately effaced herself and played to the dramatic Molly” (Doris Lessing).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English effacen

Origin: , from French effacer

Origin: , from Old French esfacier

Origin: : es-, out (from Latin ex-, ex-)

Origin: + face, face; see face

Related Forms: