What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deface
Example
The statue was defaced with spray paint. [defaced: past tense]
Example
It is illegal to deface public property. [deface: verb]
vandalize
Example
The store was vandalized last night. [vandalized: past tense]
Example
The police arrested the teenagers for vandalizing the park. [vandalizing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vandalize is more commonly used than deface in everyday language. Vandalize is a more versatile term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while deface is more specific and less common.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between deface and vandalize?
Both deface and vandalize are considered informal terms, but vandalize is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
