Vocabulary – Choose the option that BEST expresses the meaning of the underlined word in context. Sentence: The recent acts of vandalism in the country cannot be ignored.

Introduction / Context:
“Vandalism” refers to the willful destruction or damage of property. It is often associated with violent or destructive acts against public or private assets, such as smashing windows or defacing buildings.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: vandalism.
• Domain: public order and property damage.
• We must choose the closest meaning among the options provided.

Concept / Approach:
Since vandalism is destructive in nature, the best single-word approximation among the choices is “violence,” which captures the forceful, damaging aspect. While no option says “destruction” explicitly, “violence” conveys the severity and damaging intent better than the others.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Define the keyword: vandalism = deliberate property damage.Evaluate choices: “disturbance” (mere disorder), “ravage” (verb, to devastate), “provocation” (incitement), “violence” (force causing harm/damage).Select the noun that most tightly aligns with destructive acts on property: “violence.”Check fit in sentence meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: “The recent acts of violence against property cannot be ignored.” This reflects the essence of vandalism.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• disturbance: could be noise or disorder without damage.
• ravage: primarily a verb; as a noun (“ravage”/“ravages”) it denotes results of devastation but is less precise here.
• provocation: means incitement, not damage.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating any public disorder with vandalism; vandalism specifically involves damaging property.

Final Answer:
violence