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

Collision coverage generally helps pay for damage to your vehicle from an accident, while comprehensive coverage protects against certain non-collision events, such as theft, hail and vandalism. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Beyond the truck becoming a major target for vandalism and open mockery, the vehicle has also been haunted by near-constant technical issues and has been recalled in the US a whopping eleven times over its short production run. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 10 Nov. 2026

Hate crimes are down 35% in the 90th Precinct where the vandalism occurred, with 13 incidents this year compared to 20 during the same period in 2025, NYPD stats current as of Sunday show. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026

But the president continues to repeat false claims that vandalism — rather than shoddy workmanship — was to blame for a new blue surface peeling away. — Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 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