vandalism

noun

van·dal·ism ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm

Synonyms of vandalism

: 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.

The woman, Antonieta Sanchez, 53, of Redlands, was booked into the Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of felony vandalism and brandishing a weapon, Vickers wrote in an email. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 In Louisville, vandalism of Flock cameras has surged recently. — Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026 The following year, DeFoor was charged with two counts of vandalism after windows at a Hyde Park business were broken. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Other charges such as trespassing, conspiracy, theft and charges tied to fire risk can be added to cases of vandalism, according to the Law Office of Sheny Gutierrez. — Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 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

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

vandalish

vandalism

vandalistic

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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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

vandalism

noun

Synonyms of vandalism

Examples of vandalism in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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