vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm 
: 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
In a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, 40 former superintendents said that leaving parks open would lead to trash, vandalism and other damage.
—
MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Motor vehicle thefts have dropped by 30%, vandalisms by 7%, and burglaries by 5%.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
In 2019, suspecting one of their sons of vandalism, San Diego County sheriff’s deputies burst into the Najarros’ Vista home without a warrant, then punched, choked, fired a Taser gun at and threatened to shoot different members of the family before arresting them all, the family said in a lawsuit.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
According to Northern Virginia Magazine, Friday night football games had been canceled in 1969 because of vandalism and racial tension.
—Jessica Booth, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
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MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Motor vehicle thefts have dropped by 30%, vandalisms by 7%, and burglaries by 5%.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
In 2019, suspecting one of their sons of vandalism, San Diego County sheriff’s deputies burst into the Najarros’ Vista home without a warrant, then punched, choked, fired a Taser gun at and threatened to shoot different members of the family before arresting them all, the family said in a lawsuit.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
According to Northern Virginia Magazine, Friday night football games had been canceled in 1969 because of vandalism and racial tension.
—Jessica Booth, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
Cite this Entry
“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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