Defacement

/dɪˈfeɪsmənt/ noun

Definition

The act of defacing something, or the damage or mark left when something has been defaced.

Etymology

From deface + -ment (noun-forming suffix). The -ment suffix transforms the verb into a noun describing the action or its result.

Kelly Says

Medieval church artwork was constantly threatened with defacement by religious reformers, which is why some of the most valuable historical pieces are literally half-destroyed.

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