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

Six years ago when Truist put its name and logo on top of its uptown headquarters at the former Hearst Tower, the building’s architect called it vandalism and a petition pleaded take it down. — Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026

The vandalism came before Sunday afternoon's scholarship luncheon honoring Ella French. — Cbs Chicago Team, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026

Harkins is the second person to face federal charges for vandalism at the Tesla location on State Line Road. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

Pasticceria Italia, a popular Italian bakery, shut down last winter after suffering two ceiling collapses from water leaks in two winters followed by vandalism damage. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 24 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