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vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm
: 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
The cords unlock via a user’s phone app, and retract to avoid vandalism, weather exposure, or trip hazards.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Dec. 2024
The vandalism occurred sometime between Thursday and Sunday, according to West Mercia Police.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
The suspects also reportedly threatened to kill police officers over the course of their vandalism spree.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 5 Nov. 2024
Every day, Pima County wastewater workers patrol the huge empty concrete tanks and processing plants, now vulnerable to vandalism, trespassing and copper wire theft.
—John Leos, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1798, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near vandalism
Cite this Entry
“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on vandalism
Nglish: Translation of vandalism for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of vandalism for Arabic Speakers
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