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

The cameras have been used in partnership with the Oconomowoc Police Department and Waukesha County Sheriff's Department to investigate theft, vandalism and other unlawful activities. — Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2026

After paying restitution close to the value of the vandalism, the case was dismissed. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

The woman, Antonieta Sanchez, 53, of Redlands, was booked into the Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of felony vandalism and brandishing a weapon, Vickers wrote in an email. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Lopes was accused of attacking and killing Chesna while he was being arrested for vandalism and erratic driving. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 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