broken windows theory

proper noun

A criminological theory stating that signs of urban decay (e.g. broken windows, graffiti, loitering) signal that an area is not monitored, encouraging more destructive criminal behavior.

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Meanings

proper noun

alternative broken window theory

  1. criminologyA criminological theory stating that signs of urban decay (e.g. broken windows, graffiti, loitering) signal that an area is not monitored, encouraging more destructive criminal behavior.

    Clark disliked the general state of unshavenness, partly for aesthetic reasons and partly because he was a believer in the broken-windows theory of urban-crime management, the way the appearance of dereliction can pave the way for more serious crimes.

    2014, Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven, Picador (2022), page 249

Origin

After article propounding the theory by social scientists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling, “Broken Windows”, Atlantic Monthly (March 1982).

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Chinese Mandarin 破窗效應 /破窗效应, 破窗理論 /破窗理论
  • 破窗效應 /破窗效应 (pòchuāng xiàoyìng)Translations
  • 破窗理論 /破窗理论 (pòchuāng lǐlùn)Translations
Cite this entry
APA

broken windows theory. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/broken%20windows%20theory

MLA

“broken windows theory.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/broken%20windows%20theory. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “broken windows theory,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/broken%20windows%20theory.

Source: broken windows theory on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.