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.
Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026 Featherstone has a prior felony conviction in Sacramento County In October 2024 for vandalism by graffiti causing $400 or more in damage for which she was put on probation. Harry Harris, Mercury News, 8 May 2026 The report included 230 cases of harassment, 164 cases of vandalism and 6 cases of assault. Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026 Some who attended the meeting noted the tree damage was similar to overnight vandalism in June 2019 in which cuts were made to another Canary Island pine about six feet away. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 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 12 May. 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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