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Defacement Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ
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defacement

[dษชหˆfeษชsmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

act of damaging or destroying property

Defacement refers to the act of damaging or destroying property, often by graffiti or vandalism. It is the deliberate alteration or destruction of something, usually public property, that is considered offensive or disrespectful.

Synonyms

damage, desecration, vandalism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defacement

Appropriate when describing the act of spoiling the appearance of something, especially public property or documents.

  • The graffiti caused significant defacement of the town hall's walls.
  • There was noticeable defacement on the signboard after the protest.
vandalism

Most appropriate for acts of willful destruction or damage to property, usually public or communal, often associated with youth rebellion.

  • The subway trains were covered with graffiti, a clear act of vandalism.
  • The park was closed down due to repeated vandalism of the playground equipment.
desecration

Typically used to describe disrespectful or sacrilegious acts towards sacred places, objects, or symbols.

  • The desecration of the ancient temple sparked outrage among the community.
  • They were caught in the act of desecration of the national monument.
damage

Used in a broader context to describe any type of harm or injury to objects, property, or non-physical entities like reputation.

  • The flood caused extensive damage to the houses in the area.
  • His actions resulted in damage to the company's reputation.

Examples of usage

  • Vandalism is a common form of defacement in urban areas.
  • The defacement of historical monuments is a serious concern for preservationists.
Context #2 | Noun

alteration of appearance

Defacement can also refer to the alteration of appearance, such as changing the features of a person's face or the characteristics of a document. It involves making changes that detract from the original form or intended purpose.

Synonyms

alteration, distortion, modification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defacement

Use this word when referring to deliberate and damaging changes, especially to property or works of art. It carries a negative connotation.

  • The defacement of the historical monument shocked the community.
  • Graffiti artists were arrested for the defacement of public property.
alteration

This word is appropriate when describing a change made to something, usually with the intention of improvement or adaptation. It does not typically have a negative connotation.

  • The alteration of the dress made it fit perfectly.
  • We made some alterations to the project plan to ensure its success.
modification

Use this when referring to changes made to improve, update or alter something, often in a technical or formal context. This word does not usually carry a negative connotation.

  • The software requires modification to meet the new standards.
  • Engineers are working on a modification to the existing design.
distortion

Employ this word when describing changes that result in a misrepresentation or a warped version of the original. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The photo's distortion made it difficult to recognize the subjects.
  • The journalist was accused of distortion of the facts in the report.

Examples of usage

  • The defacement of a passport invalidates its use for travel.
  • He underwent surgery to correct the defacement caused by the accident.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Latin 'facere', meaning 'to do' or 'to make', with the prefix 'de-' implying removal.
  • It has been used in English since the late 15th century, often associated with vandalism or destruction of property.
  • Concepts of defacement have been discussed in legal contexts since the 18th century, emphasizing property rights.

Art and Culture

  • Defacing artworks, such as graffiti on historical monuments, has sparked debates about preservation versus expression.
  • Famous incidents include the defacement of the Mona Lisa and the statue of David, which have raised questions about artistic integrity.
  • In some cultures, defacement is seen as a form of protest, challenging the status quo and making political statements.

Psychology

  • Psychologists suggest that people may deface objects as a way to express anger or frustration, reflecting deeper psychological issues.
  • The act of defacing can serve as a rebellious expression in youth, often linked to identity exploration.
  • In group settings, actions of defacement may also indicate a desire for belonging among peers engaging in similar behavior.

Legal Aspects

  • Defacement is often classified as vandalism, which can result in legal penalties including fines or community service.
  • Laws governing defacement vary widely; some jurisdictions may have strict regulations protecting public and private property.
  • Restorative justice approaches are increasingly considered for defacement cases, focusing on repairing harm rather than punishment.

Environmental Impact

  • Defacement of natural landscapes, such as graffiti on rocks, raises concerns about environmental preservation and beauty.
  • Human impact on nature through defacement often leads to more extensive conservation efforts to protect vulnerable areas.
  • Some environmental activists use defacement as a way to highlight ecological issues, using art to draw attention to crises.

Origin of 'defacement'

The word 'defacement' originated from the combination of 'de-' meaning 'down' and 'face' meaning 'surface'. It first appeared in the mid-17th century and has been used to describe the act of damaging or altering the appearance of something ever since.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,471 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.