What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defacement
Example
The defacement of the historical monument was a disgraceful act. [defacement: noun]
Example
The vandals defaced the walls with spray paint. [defaced: past tense verb]
vandalism
Example
The city has seen a rise in vandalism and property damage in recent months. [vandalism: noun]
Example
The vandals vandalized the park benches by breaking them apart. [vandalized: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vandalism is a more commonly used term than defacement in everyday language. It is a well-known term that is often used in news reports and discussions of crime and property damage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defacement and vandalism?
Both defacement and vandalism are formal terms that are typically used in serious contexts, such as legal proceedings or news reports. However, vandalism is more commonly used in everyday language and may be used in more informal contexts as well.
