vandalism

noun

van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm 

: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property

Synonyms of vandalism

• vandalization
• destruction
• defacement

Examples of vandalism in a Sentence

acts of theft and vandalism

He was arrested for vandalism.

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1994, American teenager Michael Fay was caned at a Singaporean prison for vandalism, a day after his sentence was reduced from six lashes to four in response to an appeal by President Bill Clinton. —Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026

The vandalism occurred just hours before community members were set to begin celebrating the holiday of Lag BaOmer, which kicks off at sunset Monday, Abraham Pinkhasov, a supervisor at Queens Shmira, told the Daily News. —Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026

Ongoing issues like theft, vandalism, and property crime have real consequences. —Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

Consider the vandalism this year of Shaare Tefila Congregation in Olney. —Howard Libit, Baltimore Sun, 3 May 2026

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