vandalism

noun

van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm 

: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property

Synonyms of vandalism

• vandalization
• destruction
• defacement

Examples of vandalism in a Sentence

acts of theft and vandalism

He was arrested for vandalism.

Recent Examples on the Web

The man, whom authorities did not immediately identify, was wanted on a warrant for assault with a deadly weapon and felony vandalism, police said. — Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

The vandalism that trashed Kansas City’s 126-year-old Folly Theater last fall caused more than $600,000 in damage, the theater’s leadership said Monday, a higher estimate than the one cited in court documents. — Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Dalí included references to major events in Western history; for example, the Ten of Swords card depicts the stabbing of Julius Caesar, while the Queen of Cups is a jokey vandalism of François Clouet’s portrait Elisabeth of Austria, Queen of France. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026

Once released from the hospital, police said the suspect will be booked at the Fullerton City Jail for charges including felony vandalism, resisting arrest and making threats. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

vandal + -ism

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vandalism

noun

van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-dᵊl-ˌiz-əm 

: intentional destruction or damage to property

Legal Definition

vandalism

noun

van·​dal·​ism ˈvand-ᵊl-ˌi-zəm 

: the willful or malicious destruction or defacement of property

insurance covering property damage from vandalism and malicious mischief