Defacement: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.