Defaced

To deface means to spoil the surface or appearance of something, typically by drawing or writing on it, damaging it, or removing a part of it. It implies a deliberate act intended to disfigure, mar, or vandalize an object, making it less attractive or functional. The act often involves altering an item in a way that diminishes its value, aesthetic appeal, or readability. Defacing can be done to objects both public and private, encompassing everything from buildings and monuments to personal belongings and artwork. The intent behind defacing can range from playful mischief to acts of political protest or malicious vandalism.

Defaced meaning with examples

• The vandals Defaced the ancient monument with spray paint, covering the historical inscriptions with crude graffiti. It was a senseless act that damaged a cultural artifact and showed blatant disregard for history. Authorities are seeking those responsible for the destruction, hoping to bring them to justice for this criminal act. Repairing the damage will be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor for the restoration team.
• The disgruntled customer Defaced his expensive car with a key after a dispute with the dealership over repairs, leaving a long scrape down the side. His actions, though fueled by anger, were likely to result in legal consequences, as vandalism carries a penalty. The dealership now faces additional expenses to have the car repaired, as well as dealing with the customer’s complaints. This escalated the situation to a new level.
• During the protests, some demonstrators Defaced public statues, covering them in slogans to voice their political opinions. This act of destruction caused controversy among people who disagreed. The damage created a complex situation with the statue and the legal and moral issues that were raised. It opened a conversation about freedom of expression versus the protection of cultural heritage.
• The young boy Defaced his mother's new cookbook by drawing pictures all over the pages, destroying recipes in the process. He may not have fully understood the implications of his actions. She was heartbroken by her son’s behavior and realized she needed to address the situation. The mother had to reprint her recipes, replacing the damaged pages with fresh copies.
• Over time, the posters on the community board became Defaced and torn by the elements and wear and tear, making them barely readable. This diminished the information being displayed. The need to replace those items was soon on the horizon. The information needed to be accessible for the benefit of all involved.