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

In recent years, there have also been reports of vandalism and attacks on robotaxis and delivery robots, which some see as harbingers of a high-tech future not everyone asked for. —Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026

Two 25-year-old men were arrested for the vandalism. —Daniela R. P. Weiner, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026

The Cybertruck’s angular design was divisive, and the attention-grabbing vehicle occasionally became the target of ridicule and vandalism when a backlash against Musk swelled last year. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026

Nichols is charged with one count each of felony assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, threatening crime with intent to terrorize and vandalism, according to court documents. —Dalila Muata, NBC news, 15 Apr. 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