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
He was booked on charges related to assault with a deadly weapon, felony vandalism and probation violation.
—
Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
He was booked into jail for assault with a deadly weapon likely to produce great bodily injury, felony vandalism, and violation of his post-release community supervision terms.
—Brandon Downs, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
More recently, the area has experienced waves of antisemitic vandalism.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
On Thursday afternoon, jurors also had begun deliberating on the felony vandalism charge, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to three years and possible restitution.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
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Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
He was booked into jail for assault with a deadly weapon likely to produce great bodily injury, felony vandalism, and violation of his post-release community supervision terms.
—Brandon Downs, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
More recently, the area has experienced waves of antisemitic vandalism.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
On Thursday afternoon, jurors also had begun deliberating on the felony vandalism charge, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to three years and possible restitution.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
Cite this Entry
“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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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