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

President Trump, meanwhile, has labeled Tesla vandalism an act of domestic terrorism and threatened to send perpetrators to an El Salvador prison. —Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025

Tesla arson defendants to face 'full force of law,' AG Bondi says Wagner is the fifth person to face federal charges in connection with the recent spate of vandalism incidents involving Tesla, according to Bondi. —Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025

Tesla owners are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves amid a recent spate of vandalism against the vehicles across the United States. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025

Edward Horn, Delray Beach Henry Ford and Elon Musk The recent vandalism nationwide of Tesla vehicles as a protest of Elon Musk raises a historical question: Was vandalism of Ford cars and trucks ever directed against Ford? —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025

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