vandalism

noun

van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce vandalism (audio)
: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property

Examples of vandalism in a Sentence

acts of theft and vandalism He was arrested for vandalism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For example, Tesla shares increased in value after Trump’s election last year before decreasing drastically early in the president’s administration amid boycotts and vandalism. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 1 June 2025 Residents and city officials have raised concerns that the reopening of the 11-mile stretch of PCH on May 23 will make neighborhoods that were damaged or destroyed by the Franklin and Palisades fires more vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025 While some car shaming incidents involve vandalism, most consist of verbal confrontations fueled by differing opinions on vehicle choices. Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 24 May 2025 Additionally, providers in Colorado reported 10 counts of vandalism (up from eight), eight incidents of obstruction (up from seven) and five threats of death or harm (up from three) over those two years. Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Denver Post, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vandalism

Word History

Etymology

vandal + -ism

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vandalism was in 1798

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

vandalism

noun
van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-dᵊl-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce vandalism (audio)
: intentional destruction or damage to property

Legal Definition

vandalism

noun
van·​dal·​ism ˈvand-ᵊl-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce vandalism (audio)
: the willful or malicious destruction or defacement of property
insurance covering property damage from vandalism and malicious mischief

More from Merriam-Webster on vandalism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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