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

Pasticceria Italia, a popular Italian bakery, shut down last winter after suffering two ceiling collapses from water leaks in two winters followed by vandalism damage. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026

Von Hassel was charged with vandalism and damage to property motivated by civil rights violations. — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

According to a city news release, city police responded to an incident of antisemitic vandalism in a public park on Tuesday afternoon. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

The cameras have been used in partnership with the Oconomowoc Police Department and Waukesha County Sheriff's Department to investigate theft, vandalism and other unlawful activities. — Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 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