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

Barr was booked into Orange County jail Tuesday on suspicion of vehicle theft, vandalism and trespassing, said Sgt. — Breaking News, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

But oil revenue has been particularly constrained by theft and pipeline vandalism that has cost the country about $300 billion in recent years, compounding in a worsening security crisis that has hampered the overall economy. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

In his remarks on Tuesday, the president again cited vandalism as a cause of the Reflecting Pool’s problems. — Maura Judkis, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026

But during a two year-stretch of former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ term in office, Buckhead was also a nexus of carjackings, street racing, vandalism and murders. — Patricia Murphy, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 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