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

Between 1920 and 1950, trick-or-treating became an inexpensive way for people to celebrate Halloween and avoid having their homes vandalized (hence, the trick in trick-or-treating) as vandalism has become a widespread part of October 31 celebrations, according to History. —Mariyam Muhammad, The Enquirer, 31 Oct. 2024

That night, Des Moines police answered 550 reports of vandalism – teenagers setting fires, breaking windows and sidelining street cars. —Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

The Iowa state capital, some 86 years ago, did away with Oct. 31 trick-or-treating in an effort to curb vandalism. —Bychris Morris, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024

Keith Bach, 63, was arrested Sept. 25, 2023, by Chula Vista police for vandalism and making a criminal threat, according to jail records. —Kelly Davis, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024

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