vandalism

noun

van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce vandalism (audio)
Synonyms of vandalism
: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property

Examples of vandalism in a Sentence

acts of theft and vandalism He was arrested for vandalism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump blames vandalism for the troubles with the reflecting pool renovation, announces people are being arrested. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 23 June 2026 The administration has not provided proof that vandalism caused the damage. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 22 June 2026 The White House has also provided no evidence that vandalism caused the pool's discoloration, or any of the structural damage the president has described. Willem Marx, NPR, 21 June 2026 Trump said that multiple people have been arrested for vandalism at the pool. Selina Wang, ABC News, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for vandalism

Word History

Etymology

vandal + -ism

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vandalism was in 1798

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

vandalism

noun
van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-dᵊl-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce vandalism (audio)
: intentional destruction or damage to property

Legal Definition

vandalism

noun
van·​dal·​ism ˈvand-ᵊl-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce vandalism (audio)
: the willful or malicious destruction or defacement of property
insurance covering property damage from vandalism and malicious mischief

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