vandalism

noun

van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm 

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

Synonyms

• defacement
• defacing
• trashing
• vandalization

Examples of vandalism in a Sentence

acts of theft and vandalism

He was arrested for vandalism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Last month, Tesla reported a 71 percent drop in first-quarter profits with Tesla dealerships around the world reporting multiple protests and vandalism of their vehicles. —Hannah Parry barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025

Big Jim, too heavy to steal and too thick to saw through, endured decades of vandalism. —Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2025

The new recruitment method has coincided with Patriot Front's faltering brand, the SPLC says, after years of controversies stemming from various lawsuits and acts of vandalism. —Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 17 May 2025

The 104-year-old home at 2000 Wharf Road has been barred from public access since 2011 in an effort to prevent vandalism, according to the city of Capitola. —Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 14 May 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