Synonyms

vandalize

American

[van-dl-ahyz] / ˈvæn dlˌaɪz /

especially British, vandalise

verb (used with object)

vandalized, vandalizing

to destroy or deface by vandalism.

Someone vandalized the museum during the night.

vandalize British

/ ˈvændəˌlaɪz /

verb

(tr) to destroy or damage (something) by an act of vandalism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of vandalize

First recorded in 1790–1800; vandal + -ize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We are asking the public to let us conduct our investigation and not to vandalize or damage anyone’s home,” said Officer Natalie Garcia, a Santa Ana police public information officer.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2025

Three years ago, a spate of incidents prompted lawmakers to stiffen laws penalizing those who vandalize Italy’s venerable cultural heritage.

From New York Times • Jun. 27, 2023

Yet Twombly grasped, I think, that life is plotless, that meaninglessness reigns — hence, perhaps, his urge to deface, to vandalize.

From Washington Post • Jan. 14, 2023

Mr. Jordan said he believes the Department of Justice has the ability to prosecute people who vandalize crisis pregnancy centers.

From Washington Times • Jan. 11, 2023

“And yes, if they’re going to go through all the hassle to vandalize one of my books, you’d think they’d check their spelling.”

From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023