1. to remove or destroy the distinctive features or characteristics of something
Usage: rare; formal

Examples

• The vandals attempted to defeature the historic monument by chiseling away its carved details.
• Weathering and erosion gradually defeature the landscape over centuries.
• The renovation project risked defeatureing the building's original architectural character.
• Careless restoration work can defeature priceless artworks.
• Time and neglect have defeatureed the once-grand facade.