What does it mean to deface an object?

To deface an object means to ruin, damage, or injure its appearance. This term is often associated with the act of vandalism, where someone may mark, scratch, or otherwise alter the surface of an item, resulting in a loss of its aesthetic value. The essence of this word lies in the negative impact it has on the object, leading to a deterioration of its appearance rather than improvement or restoration. This makes it clear that the action is destructive rather than creative or evaluative.