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Definition of scarface

scarface

/ˈskɑːrfeɪs/
scar · face
Plural:scarfaces
•
Adjective:scarfaced
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scarface Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A person who has a prominent scar or scars on the face, often used as a nickname or to evoke the archetype of a hardened criminal or gangster.

Example

"In classic crime cinema, the ruthless boss is frequently portrayed as a menacing scarface who rules the underworld through intimidation."

Word Nuance & Usage

Because of its strong cultural association with the notorious Prohibition-era gangster Al Capone and classic crime films, this term is typically used either as a literary archetype for a hardened criminal or as an offensive personal epithet.

• Nearby Words

scaremongering
scarer
scarf
scarface
scarflike
scarifying
scarily

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scarface. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scarface
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