Pronunciation: [dɪfˈe͡ɪsə] (IPA) 
The word "defacer" is spelled with a "c" instead of an "s" due to its Latin root, which ends in "-facere," meaning "to make" or "to do." The "-facere" ending is derived from the verb "facere," which means "to make," and the prefix "de-" means "against." Therefore, "defacer" means "to make against" or "to disfigure." In IPA phonetic transcription, "defacer" would be pronounced /dɪˈfeɪsər/.
A defacer refers to an individual or entity that intentionally vandalizes or damages public or private property, particularly through the act of altering or defacing its original appearance. Such acts typically involve the unauthorized modification, destruction, or impairment of structures, surfaces, objects, or written material.
One common form of defacement is graffiti, where defacers use various techniques, such as painting, tagging, or scratching, to leave their mark or express their ideas on walls, buildings, bridges, or other surfaces. This act of defacement often involves the use of spray paint, permanent markers, stickers, or stencils, resulting in illicit and unsolicited visual alteration of the affected area.
Defacing can also extend to vandalism of websites or online platforms by altering or modifying the content displayed, typically for political, social, or personal reasons. This form of digital defacement often involves hacking into systems, accessing unauthorized areas, and making unauthorized changes to the webpages' appearance, layout, or content.
Defacers are generally seen as individuals or groups operating outside the boundaries of the law, engaging in antisocial behavior that disrupts the aesthetic integrity of public or private spaces. Their actions are considered illegal and punishable under various legal systems, as they infringe upon property rights, defile public spaces, and compromise the visual and informational integrity of affected locations.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "defacer" is derived from the verb "deface", which dates back to the 14th century. "Deface" originates from the Old French word "desfacier", which is a combination of the prefix "des-" (meaning "down" or "away") and the verb "facier" (meaning "to make" or "to do"). Thus, "deface" essentially means "to undo or destroy the appearance or surface of something". Consequently, "defacer" refers to a person or entity that engages in the act of defacing, typically by damaging or disfiguring property, such as graffiti on walls or hacking websites.
