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Defacement: meaning, definitions and examples

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defacement

 

[ dɪˈfeɪsmənt ]

Noun
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

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

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

Translations of the word "defacement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desfiguração

🇮🇳 विकृति

🇩🇪 Verunstaltung

🇮🇩 perusakan

🇺🇦 спотворення

🇵🇱 zniekształcenie

🇯🇵 損傷 (そんしょう)

🇫🇷 défiguration

🇪🇸 desfiguración

🇹🇷 bozma

🇰🇷 훼손

🇸🇦 تشويه

🇨🇿 zohavení

🇸🇰 zohavenie

🇨🇳 毁容 (huǐróng)

🇸🇮 popačenje

🇮🇸 afmyndun

🇰🇿 бұзу

🇬🇪 დასახიჩრება

🇦🇿 eybəcərləşmə

🇲🇽 desfiguración

Word origin

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.