Defacer: meaning, definitions and examples
🎨
defacer
[dɪˈfeɪsər ]
Definition
vandalism act
A defacer is an individual who deliberately damages or destroys property, often for the sake of artistic expression or protest. This term is commonly associated with graffiti artists, who may deface public or private surfaces with their artwork. Defacing can also refer to the act of altering or ruining the original appearance of an object, such as a document or a statue. The motivations behind defacing vary, ranging from political statements to mere vandalism.
Synonyms
defiler, destroyer, tagger, vandal.
Examples of usage
- The defacer covered the wall with colorful graffiti.
- Local authorities cracked down on the known defacer in the neighborhood.
- He was arrested for being a defacer of public property.
- The museum was concerned about potential defacers targeting their exhibits.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'defacer' comes from the Old French 'defacer', meaning to destroy, erase, or disfigure.
- It combines the prefix 'de-' indicating removal or reversal, with 'face', relating to the surface of an object.
- The term has been in use since the late 15th century, primarily associated with damage to written texts and artworks.
Legal Aspects
- Defacing property can lead to vandalism charges, which vary in severity depending on the damage's extent.
- Some countries have specific laws to protect public art and landmarks from defacers.
- Graffiti artists often navigate a grey area of legality, as they may see their work as art, while others view it as defacement.
Cultural Impact
- Defacement of monuments can spark public outrage and lead to discussions about historical narratives.
- Art movements like Dada and Situationism embraced defacement as a form of social commentary on traditional values.
- Public spaces often see defacement as a form of protest, turning the act into a statement against societal issues.
Psychology
- Those who deface property may express rebellion, frustration, or a desire for attention.
- Psychologists study the motivations behind such acts to understand anger and social issues among youth.
- Defacing art can sometimes represent a misunderstood need for self-expression or critique of societal norms.
Art History
- Throughout history, many famous artworks have been defaced, often leading to their restoration and even increased value.
- Some artists intentionally create collaborative pieces that include defacement as part of the evolving art experience.
- The act of defacing has been seen as a form of conceptual art, challenging viewers' perceptions of beauty and destruction.
Translations
Translations of the word "defacer" in other languages:
🇵🇹 detrator
🇮🇳 विकृत करने वाला
🇩🇪 Verunstalter
🇮🇩 perusak
🇺🇦 псевдонім
🇵🇱 zniekształcacz
🇯🇵 デファイサー
🇫🇷 défigurer
🇪🇸 desfigurador
🇹🇷 şekil bozan
🇰🇷 변형자
🇸🇦 مُشوِّه
🇨🇿 deformátor
🇸🇰 deformátor
🇨🇳 破坏者
🇸🇮 deformator
🇮🇸 útlit
🇰🇿 бұзушы
🇬🇪 დეფაცერი
🇦🇿 defaker
🇲🇽 desfigurador
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,181, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.