vandalism

American  

[van-dl-iz-uhm] / ˈvæn dlˌɪz əm /

noun

1. deliberately mischievous or malicious destruction or damage of property.

   vandalism of public buildings.

2. the conduct or spirit characteristic of the Vandals.

3. willful or ignorant destruction of artistic or literary treasures.

4. a vandalic act.

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vandalism British  

/ ˈvændəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the wanton or deliberate destruction caused by a vandal or an instance of such destruction

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Other Word Forms

• vandalish adjective
• vandalistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of vandalism

1790–1800; vandal + -ism; compare French vandalisme

Example Sentences

Just as the trial for Samuel Patrick Groft was about to kick off, the 45-year-old instead pleaded no contest Wednesday to a slew of vandalism charges stemming from the seven-day slashing rampage.

From Los Angeles Times

Westminster Mall, a once-popular shopping center that has been desecrated by graffiti and vandalism since it closed last year, is on track for demolition soon.

From Los Angeles Times

The transport ministry described the incidents as "suspected sabotage" and said they mirrored vandalism at the start of the Paris Olympics in 2024.

From BBC

The Ministry of Transport called the incidents an act of "serious sabotage", which they said mirrored vandalism during the Paris Olympics in 2024.

From BBC

Green-Wood entered a period of decline in the postwar era, suffering from vandalism and disrepair.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• mischief