'self-efface' originates from the combination of 'self' and 'efface,' where 'efface' comes from the French word 'effacer,' meaning 'to erase or wipe out.'

'effacer' transformed into the English word 'efface,' and eventually combined with 'self' to form 'self-efface.'

Initially, it meant 'to erase oneself,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make oneself inconspicuous.'