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.
In another instance of vandalism, a man was arrested in West Fargo, North Dakota, over the weekend for allegedly keying a Cybertruck in a Costco parking lot. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The vandalism of the senator’s car on Aug. 8 never was publicized. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025 Thousands of his critics protested outside Tesla dealerships Saturday, and reports of vandalism have spiked more broadly since DOGE began its purge of federal workers and funding for foreign aid programs. Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025 Palestine Action did not claim responsibility for the vandalism at the resort in Ireland. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 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 9 Apr. 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

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