vandalism

noun

van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm 

: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property

Synonyms

• vandalization
• destruction
• defacement

Examples of vandalism in a Sentence

acts of theft and vandalism

He was arrested for vandalism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Both suspects were booked into Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism, according to a press release from the San Jose Police Department. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025

Laura tells the police that Cherry must be behind the vandalism, so officers show up at the engagement party and arrest Cherry. —Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

When those people finally moved out, the buildings rapidly deteriorated, thanks in part to vandalism by transients, O’Neil said. —A.k. Whitney, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025

Barron continues to have a conversation with her students about vandalism of school property and discipline within the classroom. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025

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