broken windows
noun
1
: broken windows theory
A number of field experiments examine the individual-level hypothesis, derived from broken windows, that disorder exerts a direct causal effect on crime …—Charles C. Lanfear et al.
2
: a policy or practice in law enforcement that maximizes enforcement and punishment for minor offenses (such as loitering, marijuana possession, or public intoxication) to promote public order and prevent major crimes
The idea of using arrests for low-level crimes to catch serious criminals was an integral part of broken windows from 1990 on, when … Police Commissioner William Bratton discovered that "in some stations" one in seven of the people caught jumping turnstiles was carrying an illegal weapon or was wanted for serious felonies.—George Kelling et al.
Although broken windows is presented as a way to crack down on crime, and maintain order, it has only further exacerbated the issue.—Lucy Iannotti
broken windows policing
—often hyphenated when used before another nounbroken-windows offenses/arrests
Cite this Entry
“Broken windows.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broken%20windows. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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